Commuters taking the bus or train here could be subject to frisk searches by police officers and other “senior approved persons” under proposed laws introduced in Parliament on Mon. Under the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, a “frisk search” refers to a search conducted by quickly running one’s hands over an individual’s outer clothing. The Bill will amend the Road Traffic Act and the Rapid Transit Systems Act to give police officers and authorised personnel broader powers to screen and search commuters. LTA said the amendments will allow security checks to be carried out at designated entrances of bus interchanges, before fare gates at MRT and LRT stations, or any parts of these transport nodes. If necessary, checks can be carried out on board buses and trains. The public transport system can be an attractive target for security threats due to its vulnerability and the potential for mass casualties, LTA said. “There is a need to step up our existing security measures to stay vigilant against any potential security attacks,” it added.... Continue Reading