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MacRitchie Reservoir
The distinctive zig-zag bridge and Performing Arts Pavilion are popular spots at the reservoir
Coordinates 1°20′37″N 103°49′52″ECoordinates: 1°20′37″N 103°49′52″E
Lake type reservoir
Basin countries Singapore
MacRitchie Reservoir (Chinese: 麦里芝蓄水池, Pinyin: Maìlǐzhī Xùshuǐchí) is Singapore's oldest reservoir. The reservoir was completed in 1868 by impounding water from an earth embankment, and was then known as the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir.
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Present
3 References
4 See also
5 Gallery
6 External links
[edit]History
Boardwalk at MacRitchie Reservoir
Reservoir, boardwalk and running trail converge
Before the early 19th century, most of the Singapore main island was covered by primary forest. Soon after the British established a settlement in Singapore in 1819 and commercial activity took root, there was a demand for fresh water. However, it was decades before the settlement's first fresh water supply was established.
Between 1820 and 1870, a substantial portion of the virgin forest was cleared to assist Singapore in becoming an important trading post. Prior to this, Chinese planters had also worked the forested land for timber and the cultivation of crops like gambier, pepper and rubber. By 1886, only 10% of the original forest cover remained.
In 1823, British Resident John Crawfurd proposed the building of a reservoir and waterworks, setting aside $1,000 for these plans but nothing came of them. Another plan that ended up in smoke was the idea to tap the headwaters of Singapore Creek.
Finally, in 1857, Straits Chinese merchant Tan Kim Seng donated $13,000 for the improvement of the town's waterworks but delays, poor planning and use of the wrong building materials ate into the budget. New plans were drawn up for an impounding reservoir in Thomson. Tan's money was insufficient – the cost of the new reservoir was $100,000 – but colonial headquarters in Calcutta refused to make up the rest of the cost. When Tan died in 1864, the reservoir was no nearer completion.
Construction was eventually completed in 1868 but the pumps and distributing network were not finished until 1877. By this time, public confidence in the government's ability was dented.
In 1882, in a move to salvage its reputation, the Municipal Council erected a fountain in Fullerton Square in honour of Tan Kim Seng. The fountain was later to moved to Queen Elizabeth Walk, where it stands today.
In 1891, the holding capacity of the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir, after its designer John Turnbull Thomson, was expanded to over 465 million gallons. Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie oversaw this $32,000 expansion and the reservoir was named after him in 1922. In the 1890s, he had urged the government to buy the Chasseriau Estate for use as a reservoir but it was not until much later that the purchase was made.
However, the reservoir's 4 million gallons a day were still insufficient to meet demand. Water was pumped into the reservoir from the upper section of Kallang River, one of the island's bigger sources of fresh water. Other fresh water supplies – Lower Peirce Reservoir and Seletar Reservoir – were completed in 1912 and 1920 respectively. However, the government realised that Singapore would not be able to meet its own fresh water needs. In 1927, a water treaty was signed with the Sultan of Johor. Singapore received its first supply of water from Johor in 1932 but Singapore is now more independent.
The development of the MacRitchie Reservoir brought the forest devastation around the area to a halt. The forest surrounding the reservoir has been protected as a water catchment reserve. The forested areas surrounding the other two reservoirs, Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir (formerly Seletar Reservoir) were also protected when these reservoirs were developed.
During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore built a Shinto Shrine, Syonan Jinja,in the middle of the MacRitchie Reservoir forest in Singapore. When the British forces re-occupied Singapore, the Shrine was destroyed. However, ruins of the shrine remain and serve as a quaint piece of History accessible only to those willing to look for it, given its obscure location. The National Heritage Board declared the site a Historic Site in 2002, although no plans have been made public to develop or to protect the site.
[edit]Present
More than one square kilometre of primary forest still flourishes in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve today, particularly around MacRitchie Reservoir. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations from the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around the reservoir.
There are boardwalks skirting the edge of the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir and walking trails through the forest. They range in distances from 3 km to 11 km. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalks allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the MacRitchie forest.
The boardwalk around the perimeter of the MacRitchie Reservoir brings the visitor through interesting secondary forest in the Central Catchment nature area. The boardwalk which hugs the reservoir also allows for easy exploration of freshwater wildlife. The Ant plant (Macaranga bancana.) and pitcher plants are common in the area.
In addition to the boardwalk, another popular attraction is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a 250 m aerial free standing suspension bridge spanning Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang which are the two highest points in MacRitchie. The bridge was completed in July 2004, and the TreeTop Walk was officially launched on 5 November 2004. The structure, which is 25 m at its highest point, offers visitors a panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the surrounding lush rainforest. Jelutong Tower also offers a view of the Singapore Island Country Club golf course and the MacRitchie Reservoir.
The 3.2 km and 4.8 km trails are still used as cross-country running routes for various inter-school competitions today.
Schools can be seen using the reservoir as a place for water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. There are certain competitions held there annually. A new amenities hub has been recently constructed following the opening of a multi storey car park. This is part of the renewal programme.
[edit]References
National Heritage Board (2002), Singapore's 100 Historic Places, Archipelago Press, ISBN 981-4068-23-3
[edit]See also
Syonan Jinja
[edit]Gallery
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: MacRitchie Reservoir
Sign to the treetop walk
The suspension bridge as part of the treetop walk
[edit]External links
National Parks Board, Central Catchment Nature Reserve - HSBC TreeTop Walk
360 interactive VR photo of MacRitchie Reservoir
SPI Investigates Syonan Jinja
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Categories: Reservoirs in Singapore | Parks in Singapore | Visitor attractions in Singapore | Central Water Catchment
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
RACE TO SAVE THE OLDEST CHINESE TOMBS
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The Straits Times 19 Aug 06
Race to save oldest Chinese tombs here
by Radha Basu
THE National Parks Board (NParks) has put on hold plans to dig up one of Singapore's oldest Chinese tombs following a petition from a group of heritage enthusiasts.
The tangible slice of history, dating back to the time this modern metropolis was a sleepy village fringed by jungle, was to have been removed to make room for a new extension to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Tucked away at the foot of a sylvan slope near the former Singapore Management University campus, the tomb dates back to 1842, and holds the remains of a Chinese settler known as Qiu Zheng Zhi, who probably lived during Sir Stamford Raffles' time. His wife, Madam Li Ci Shu, is buried alongside in the simple grey structure with bright red engravings. Two other sets of tombs, also dating back to the 19th century, lie nearby. One of these, a bright orange structure with black engravings, was erected in 1881. Buried here are a Mr Huang Hui Shi and his wife, Madam Si Ma Ni.
The land, which lies on the fringes of the Botanic Gardens, was recently acquired by NParks and may be turned into landscaped horticultural displays.
Last week, three heritage enthusiasts, including Singapore Heritage Society president Kevin Tan, met NParks chief executive Ng Lang and Botanic Gardens director Dr Chin See Chung to ask that they save the tombs.
Yesterday, an NParks spokesman told The Straits Times the exhumation plans have been put on hold while the board tries to find out more about the people buried there. A final decision will be taken later.
Heritage enthusiasts, meanwhile, are hoping that the tombs will be spared.
Dr Tan, who is editing a book on Singapore cemeteries, believes the Qiu tomb to be the oldest 'in situ' Chinese tomb in Singapore, meaning it still remains at the site where it was first built.
'It is a miracle that the tombs survived so many generations and so much construction nearby,' said Dr Tan.
He was alerted to the possible possibile exhumation by two heritage-loving sisters, former National Archives official Ms Tan Beng Luan and teacher Ms Tan Beng Chiak. Earlier this year, they stumbled upon signs that the graves were to be exhumed.
The sisters felt these tombs should be saved simply because there are 'so few things in Singapore that are so old', said Ms Tan Beng Chiak, a biology teacher with a keen interest in history.
The ownership of the tombs' site in the Bukit Timah area has changed many times - from the old Botanic Gardens, to Raffles College, Singapore University, the National Institute of Education and the former Singapore Management University.
If preserved, the tombs could serve as important educational exhibits to teach students and visitors about the culture and practices of early Chinese immigrants, said Ms Tan Beng Chiak.
'Only with the knowledge of our past through tangible objects and not just in the pages on history books, will the young be able to feel a sense of belonging and rootedness,' she said.
Meanwhile, Ms Tan Beng Luan, a history researcher and pre-school principal, is keen to crack the mysteries of who these people were and where they came from.
The Qius, whose descendants may be the Khoos, may have come from Penang, she said, but she is not sure. Mr Huang came from China, though his wife may have been Indian or Eurasian.
Old maps of the area show that there was a gambier plantation at the site in the 1840s. By 1880, the land was under the British and part of the Botanic Gardens. An 'economic garden' had been built there to experiment with new cash crops - such as coffee, rubber and pepper - that could boost the local economy.
'We have no idea why the Huang tombs were allowed to be built right in the middle of the economic garden,' said Ms Tan Beng Luan.
She is now hoping that descendants of the two families will step forward to help solve the mysteries that have lasted more than a century.
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Mac Ritchie water tomb
Keeptouch Community Portal > Special Interest > Paranormal Chats > Mc Ritchie water tomb
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jnifur
25-04-2004, 03:45 PM
Wonder has this been discussed b4.
But one of my fren send me the email.
I personally have bypass this tomb many times b4.
The lastest visit was 2 yrs b4.
I was on a sample collection with my colleagues.
And my colleague went infront of the tomb n commented on the tomb n the date of deceased. I remember went there last Apr 2002. And after that I was sick for dunno how many months and got into a series of bad luck....dunno is it coincidence or have I accidentally Offended the person there :confused: :eek:
Haunted Places: McRitchie Water Tomb
The Mystery of McRitchie Water Tomb
This is a solitaire tomb that could be found at the logging track of MacRitchie reservoir
1. The tomb is facing a tranquil open view; 2. At both sides there are mud tracks; 3 & 4. Mysterious sea creatures found on shore
Mystery of year 1876 tombstone at MacRitchie
Tomb of the Unknown
(Source: The New Paper, By Lee Tee Jong, November 18, 2003)
WITHIN the tranquil MacRitchie Reservoir Park lies a 127-year-old mystery. A solitary tombstone dated 1876 stands beneath a canopy of mangrove trees along the Chemperai-Jering jogging trail. It is so old that even the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) does not have any record of its existence.
NAS said they only have cemetery burial records, exhumation records and death certificates dating after 1947.
Regular joggers speculate that the deceased was either a nobleman or an important official. Said Mr Raymond Lim, 60, a retiree who first saw the tombstone 30 years ago: 'The carvings are elaborate.
'From a geomancy point of view, the location is good - given its proximity to nature and water.' The throne-like tombstone, which is three steps from the water's edge, commands a panoramic view of the open reservoir and the surrounding greenery.
A row of red Chinese characters carved on the vertical slab reveals the year of death and the surname of the deceased as Fan. Over the years, the writing has become faint, and there are cracks running across the slabs. Algae is growing around the slabs and dead leaves encircle the tombstone, about half the size of a table-tennis table.
But there were signs that someone had been taking care of the tombstone. On the horizontal slab were two red candles, two big joss sticks, an urn filled with the joss stick butts, several blobs of melted wax, a pack of half-opened joss sticks and a lighter caked with mud. The giant joss sticks were damp and slightly bent in the rain. A broom and a sweeper lay against the branch of a mangrove tree two metres away.
Most joggers shied away from the tombstone. There are two jogging paths nearby, and most joggers chose the one that is further away. The occasional jogger who ran closer to the tombstone went behind it.
One of them, Mr Francis Teo, 40, said: 'I do not want to be disrespectful towards the deceased by running in front.'
The salesman, who has been jogging there for 20 years, had a theory about the tombstone. He said: 'I suspect the family might have wanted to put the tombstone at Bukit Brown cemetery near MacRitchie Reservoir but later placed it here to make it more exclusive.'
The Environmental Health Department of the National Environment Agency, which oversees the management of Government cemeteries, crematoria and columbaria, has no intention of removing the tombstone. Its officer, Mr Yip Kwok Hoong, said: 'Unless someone applies for an exhumation permit, we will not clear the tombstone.'
MacRitchie reservoir in yesteryears
First Reservoir: MacRitchie Reservoir
(Source: Raffles Computer Science Club)
When Singapore was founded as a British trading port, two groups of people came to depend on the island for water. One was the growing number of ships that called for goods and supplies including water. The other was the growing population of migrants drawn to the small island because of the opportunities for trade and money-making.
Fresh water came from wells and rivers but these became increasingly inadequate to cope with demand. As early as 1823, British Resident John Crawfurd proposed to spend 1000 dollars on a new reservoir and waterworks to supply water to the ships. Nothing came of the plan. In 1852, the government surveyor proposed a plan to tap the headwaters of the "Singapore Creek". The plan, if carried through, would have supplied some 2067 million cubic metres (546 million gallons) of water to the town. Nothing came of this scheme too.
In 1857, Straits Chinese merchant Tan Kim Seng decided to donate $13 000 towards improvements to the waterworks for the town. Some of the money was frittered away but eventually a scheme materialised to create an impounding reservoir in Thomson by constructing an earth embankment to impound water. Unfortunately, the projected cost of building the reservoir, which came to more than $100 000, could not be covered by Tan's gift. The colony was then governed from Calcutta, and the colonial government there declined to spend the large sum required to build the reservoir. So that it would not reflect badly on the colonial government, the Municipal Council decided to build a fountain to commemorate Tan's gift to the town. The fountain at Fullerton Square was unveiled in 1882, 18 years after Tan's death in 1864.
Eventually, the proposed impounding reservoir in Thomson was built and completed in 1867. The pumps and distributing network was not completed till 1877. 2 pumping stations were built at MacKenzie Road and Mount Emily. Singapore's first waterworks was officially opened in 1878, 20 years after Tan Kim Seng's philantrophic gesture
In 1891, the Impounding Reservoir, as it was then known, was further enlarged under the supervision of the Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie. MacRitchie Dam was enlarged between 1891 and 1894. The dam was further raised by 1.5m in the period 1903-1905 to increase its storage capacity. The cost of the extension was $32 000 and it increased the capacity of the reservoir to over 1840 million cubic metres (468 million gallons).
The enlarged reservoir was named the Thomson Road Reservoir in 1907 but in 1922, it was renamed MacRitchie Reservoir to recognise James MacRitchie's work.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the average daily supply of water was about 4 million gallons and it was not enough to meet demand. A combination of droughts and increased demand let to water shortages and more plans to increase the water supply. One plan was to channel water from the upper section of the Kallang River into the Thomson Road Reservoir. Another was to build a service reservoir in Pearl's Hill.
To take the water from the Upper Kallang, Thomson Reservoir was extended in 1905. The Kallang Tunnel Works were completed in 1907.
The informant, Mrs Kwong (with her maiden name 'Tai') shed some light on the water tomb mystery
Tomb Mystery and Shui Gui
(Source: an informant who is said to be related to the family descendents of the deceased of the tomb)
Many years ago, there wasn't any reservoir at where it is now called McRitchie reservoir. It was a very scenic hill. And who can guess the eerie tomb where most people shun away nowadays was once a romantic alcove? It was a protruding lookout point in the middle of a hiking track along the slope of a hill. From there the view was spectacular as it over looked a lush hilly landscape like a flowery meadow over the valley. Birds and wild monkeys over the hills sang in orchestra and the nature sounds filled the air.
The above mentioned romantic alcove was a meeting place for Fann and Lok (both are not real names). The alcove witnessed the most drastic emotions of mankind, put up by this couple, through life and death, joy, romance, betrayal, grief and tragedy.
The story happened near the end of 18th century. Fann was a sole daughter of a rich and famous family who run an import trading business with the British. Fann grew up in Britain and always loved nature. Her grew-up environment shaped her to be a bold and open-minded person. That was somewhat opposite to her father that was very traditional and rigorous - a typical Chinese business man who calculates gain and loss more than anything else. Since Fann was young, her family had arranged a marriage for her, that was common in the old days, with a son of a tycoon called Tai. Obviously building a marriage with a tycoon's son would benefit lifting Fann's family business to a new height.
However, Fann never wanted to submit to her fate. Being a girl of 20 years ago, she was autonomous enough to manage her own life. She left home from time to time and she would like to hang out at the scenic walks in McRitchie reservoir (that wasn't a reservoir in those days). That was a perfect place for some quiet moments, away from troubles. It became Fann's favourite sanctuary whenever she felt depressed.
Fann met her Mr. right at the reservoir one day. That was Lok. We didn't know much about Lok, not even our informant. We were told that Lok was a charismatic communist, a leader of some political group before the war who regularly organized gatherings near McRitchie reservoir area. It is their destiny that they bumped, they clicked and fell in love though they came from quite a different background.
Their dating at McRitchie reservoir lasted for some period of time. This couple always met there, fell in love and they vow to get married there with the witness of heaven and earth (the sky and the valley in McRitchie reservoir). They courted each other more and more often, until one day Fann's family got wind about this. As expected, Fann's father was very angry about this affair because her daughter was disobeying him, let alone the fact that Lok was a communist clan leader that was a natural enemy to a Pro-British business man. Fann's father and Tai's father plotted to do something patching up the situation. The arranged marriage had to proceed in only few months time anyway. They wouldn't allow Lok to interrupt about it.
On one fateful evening, as usual, Fann was expecting to meet Lok at their favorite spot in McRitchie reservoir. Instead of Lok, his fellow came and delivered her a letter. Nobody knows what was the content of the letter and who had actually written it. However, on the next morning, Fann's body was found dead at the bottom of the valley, just right under the lookout point where Fann always hanged out. Again, nobody knows whether she jumped down, pushed down or fell down by accident.
After Fann's death, the wedding arranged between the two families of course had to be cancelled. Hence, Fann's family business, without the help of tycoon Tai, plunged down very soon and eventually got bankrupt.
But still, the tycoon's son, Tai loves Fann very much. That was what the public could have seen about. He spent a lot of money and took Fann to be buried at the lookout point with a splendid tomb. The grand tomb had a very superb facing, overseeing the hills across the valley. Many years later, however, McRitchie reservoir was developed into a water catchments area, and the valley turned into a water reservoir as it is of today. Water filled up the valley, to the level of the tomb, flooding even the lower part of it. This is how the name water tomb came about.
How our informant knows so much about? She claimed that she was a relative to Tai but refused to elaborate more. The concealment led us to speculate that there was something dirty that the Tai family had done but we just cannot verify without any evidence.
Under much persistence, our informant finally admitted that Tai's family had done something to intervene into Fann's relationship with Lok, but not with any intent to have her killed. The informant told us another secret too, relating to the choice of location where Fann was buried.
Most people would think that Tai so loved Fann (although it was one way) that he had been so nice to build her a posh tomb. The truth was otherwise.
We were told that Lok was actually murdered in the same year after Fann died, and Fann's body was found to be pregnant by the doctors in hospital. People know that Lok was killed too in a riot but it was actually a plot arranged in purpose. Here is the most intriguing thing. Lok's body was buried in Bukit Brown cemetery (aka Kopi Hill cemetery). That was the idea by his dialect clan leader who in turn was controlled by Tai's family. And Fann's body was offered to be buried at the lookout point that happened to be on the opposite site of the hill.
In other words, Fann and Lok were buried between and separate by a hill, back-to-back. So they never face each other. All these were arranged by Tai! You can see how jealousy turned into hatred, and into revenge.
Since then, Fann's grave was nicked as water tomb. Even more frightening, people believe that is very haunted. Sightings of a female apparition emerging from water are common at night. Some call it Shui Gui (water ghost).
Our informant continued telling. Nowadays the decedents of Tai's family realized what their grandfather had done is tremendously wrong. They feel guilty about it, especially after they heard that the Shui Gui which is believed to be Fann's spirit was haunting the reservoir. They used to invite monks to perform rituals trying to appease the soul but that doesn't help. Till now, Tai's family has been funding a contractor to come and sweep the tomb regularly. Every year they will bring offerings by themselves to the tomb during festivals like Ching Ming and July Hungry Ghost Month.
This is a fair world, when planting a good deed, you will receive a good reward. Likewise a crime will invite mishap. God knows what they have done. Tai's family seems to be cursed. The grandfather and the father were both drown to death, though not in McRitchie reservoir. It wasn't long ago. The father at his late age had developed some mental problem. He was kept at home all the time. But for some unknown reason, one day he sneaked away alone, and found drown in a sewage drain mysteriously. It was classified as an unnatural death by the police, and was reported on news last year.
One last thing that the informant told us. If we want to know whether Fann's spirit is around, throw a coconut into the water. If it floats, that means no spirit. If it sinks, that shows Fann's spirit is around!
That is all our informant shared with us. She looked quite sad at the end of the interview. She kept murmuring to herself "Wrath, such is wrath, how I wish Fann's spirit will be in peace". Yes, SPI too, wishes Fann's spirit would rest in peace.
Pictorial Tour
1. On a fateful midnight, SPI Ah-Toh and SPI Azri set out to investigate the McRitchie water tomb; something seems to be following Azri
2. This is the kind of quiet and eerie tracks they were walking in;
3. Along the way, an exceptional bright orb that looks like a fire ball was captured, it was as if coming to our way!
4. After about 20 minutes of night walk in the dark, they entered the Jering Track that was built over the water
1.Toh and Azri suddenly stopped. Look! Some mysterious water stains. From this photo it looks something has crawled up
and went back down to the water. What is this?? Here is a closer look
2. A little further up, another water stain was found. They are too small to be footprints.
There are several more, and they just appear in the middle of the wooden track. See this one. Werid!
3. This water stain has mud, obviously it is from the muddy water down there. See these photos from another angle (1) (2).
4. Azri and Toh were studying on the mysterious water marks, little they know that some spiritual force was tailing them from behind...
1 & 2. "Watch out" Toh suddenly said. It big tree growing side way was blocking our way. Our heads almost hit on it. Another view.
This big tree looks spooky from a distance. 3. In contrast to it, there is a small tree growing in the water. Another view.
4. After this bay, we will soon reach the water tomb. Our hearts were thumbing fast.
1. Here is the infamous water tomb! 2. On top of it placed a row of joss sticks. Closer view.
3. The frontal view of the tomb, notice the joss stick urn, bottle of tea leaves and a glass jar that has cigarette lighters inside.
Someone must have come regularly and offer incense.
4. The water level just nicely hits the top wedge of the tomb, covering the lower parts of it. See the flooding on the left and on the right
1. Behind the tomb it was a dense bush; 2. We tried bash in and check if there are any similar tombs inside, but the trees are too dense
3. This is the soil where the deceased laying underneath. Just a note though, the roots may have grown all the way down.
Wouldn't the body be badly disturbed by the overgrown tree roots? How would the dead feel comfortably resting among the roots?!
4. Right on top of the tomb, you can see the curling twigs and branches of the dense trees.
Usually the branches of the trees resemble the web structure of their roots.
So you can imagine how messy the roots would be down there. How would then the buried RIP?
All the photos you see above are taken with camera flash.
The actual situation was, in the midst of the eerie water facing the water tomb, in total darkness.
In order to check out more information about the tomb, we had to turn on our searchlight.
However, smart Azri suggested we shone the light on the silver tea leave bottle instead of the tomb stab directly which is rude.
We spent some effort to recognize the faint inscription on the stab stone. Finally we got it, that would help our research.
We felt more and more spooked at this water tomb. The feeling was though something was watching at us.
When Kenny was busy writing down the stab inscription, Azri and Toh sensed and heard something getting more and more disturbing.
In the background sound of crickets from the bush, slight bubbling noise were emerging from the water.
The noise from the water although was faint, it was scary enough to feel that something was swimming towards us, especially in the dark.
Legends of water ghost go as that they would grab your foot to make you drown, even in shallow paddle of water.
"Kenny, hurry up, there could be crocodiles in this area", Toh warned. And the bubbling noise got louder and louder, nearer and nearer.
Without hesitation, Azri turned the searchlight to the water, and we saw........ (!!)
Answering Mysteries
1. Can anybody verify the mystery of the water tomb?
2. How did the deceased lady now resting in the tomb die?
3. Why was that tomb chosen to be located there?
4. Does water ghost exist in McRitchie reservoir?
Come share your views with us!
j20_sg
25-04-2004, 04:21 PM
saw wad?!~ crocodiles? apprition? spi saw wad?
hmm...walked arnd macritchie be4...nvr seem to haf seen this tomb be4...
lyk13
25-04-2004, 04:48 PM
I remember this water tomb was discussed on a tv show last time....forgot liaoz, then SPI webby also have, but I seemingly never see it before....any other experiences by fellow forumers?
. lala .
25-04-2004, 05:17 PM
I saw the pic on the SPI website. Migosh. It's really freaky!! :eek:
ShuLL
25-04-2004, 07:46 PM
yup...read abt it a few days ago on SPI webby...really eerie...
xx357xx
25-04-2004, 09:01 PM
read it when i entered the SPI webby too.. quite spooked out tat nite after reading it.. heh heh.. i wonder wad will happen if the govt reli do dig it up and transfer it somewhere.. haha..
chayedan
26-04-2004, 01:28 AM
I tout the tomb was lim bo seng tomb??
dennis
26-04-2004, 08:02 AM
hmm i think those of us going for a photo shoot this sat (see Keeptouch Events for more info) better avoid this area :grin:
jnifur
02-05-2004, 09:17 PM
I saw that tomb before...at the canopy of pond there.
Strangely enough, last sat went mac ritchie bypass the canopy never saw it.
The last time I been there...I saw...and I was sick....
Yesterday I went...never see...but today still sick...
Maybe weather not gd lah :ls:
xxevilicexx
04-05-2004, 02:47 PM
but wat did the SPI guys saw actually? cant figure out from the pic :confused:
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View Full Version : Mc Ritchie water tomb
jnifur
25-04-2004, 03:45 PM
Wonder has this been discussed b4.
But one of my fren send me the email.
I personally have bypass this tomb many times b4.
The lastest visit was 2 yrs b4.
I was on a sample collection with my colleagues.
And my colleague went infront of the tomb n commented on the tomb n the date of deceased. I remember went there last Apr 2002. And after that I was sick for dunno how many months and got into a series of bad luck....dunno is it coincidence or have I accidentally Offended the person there :confused: :eek:
Haunted Places: McRitchie Water Tomb
The Mystery of McRitchie Water Tomb
This is a solitaire tomb that could be found at the logging track of MacRitchie reservoir
1. The tomb is facing a tranquil open view; 2. At both sides there are mud tracks; 3 & 4. Mysterious sea creatures found on shore
Mystery of year 1876 tombstone at MacRitchie
Tomb of the Unknown
(Source: The New Paper, By Lee Tee Jong, November 18, 2003)
WITHIN the tranquil MacRitchie Reservoir Park lies a 127-year-old mystery. A solitary tombstone dated 1876 stands beneath a canopy of mangrove trees along the Chemperai-Jering jogging trail. It is so old that even the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) does not have any record of its existence.
NAS said they only have cemetery burial records, exhumation records and death certificates dating after 1947.
Regular joggers speculate that the deceased was either a nobleman or an important official. Said Mr Raymond Lim, 60, a retiree who first saw the tombstone 30 years ago: 'The carvings are elaborate.
'From a geomancy point of view, the location is good - given its proximity to nature and water.' The throne-like tombstone, which is three steps from the water's edge, commands a panoramic view of the open reservoir and the surrounding greenery.
A row of red Chinese characters carved on the vertical slab reveals the year of death and the surname of the deceased as Fan. Over the years, the writing has become faint, and there are cracks running across the slabs. Algae is growing around the slabs and dead leaves encircle the tombstone, about half the size of a table-tennis table.
But there were signs that someone had been taking care of the tombstone. On the horizontal slab were two red candles, two big joss sticks, an urn filled with the joss stick butts, several blobs of melted wax, a pack of half-opened joss sticks and a lighter caked with mud. The giant joss sticks were damp and slightly bent in the rain. A broom and a sweeper lay against the branch of a mangrove tree two metres away.
Most joggers shied away from the tombstone. There are two jogging paths nearby, and most joggers chose the one that is further away. The occasional jogger who ran closer to the tombstone went behind it.
One of them, Mr Francis Teo, 40, said: 'I do not want to be disrespectful towards the deceased by running in front.'
The salesman, who has been jogging there for 20 years, had a theory about the tombstone. He said: 'I suspect the family might have wanted to put the tombstone at Bukit Brown cemetery near MacRitchie Reservoir but later placed it here to make it more exclusive.'
The Environmental Health Department of the National Environment Agency, which oversees the management of Government cemeteries, crematoria and columbaria, has no intention of removing the tombstone. Its officer, Mr Yip Kwok Hoong, said: 'Unless someone applies for an exhumation permit, we will not clear the tombstone.'
MacRitchie reservoir in yesteryears
First Reservoir: MacRitchie Reservoir
(Source: Raffles Computer Science Club)
When Singapore was founded as a British trading port, two groups of people came to depend on the island for water. One was the growing number of ships that called for goods and supplies including water. The other was the growing population of migrants drawn to the small island because of the opportunities for trade and money-making.
Fresh water came from wells and rivers but these became increasingly inadequate to cope with demand. As early as 1823, British Resident John Crawfurd proposed to spend 1000 dollars on a new reservoir and waterworks to supply water to the ships. Nothing came of the plan. In 1852, the government surveyor proposed a plan to tap the headwaters of the "Singapore Creek". The plan, if carried through, would have supplied some 2067 million cubic metres (546 million gallons) of water to the town. Nothing came of this scheme too.
In 1857, Straits Chinese merchant Tan Kim Seng decided to donate $13 000 towards improvements to the waterworks for the town. Some of the money was frittered away but eventually a scheme materialised to create an impounding reservoir in Thomson by constructing an earth embankment to impound water. Unfortunately, the projected cost of building the reservoir, which came to more than $100 000, could not be covered by Tan's gift. The colony was then governed from Calcutta, and the colonial government there declined to spend the large sum required to build the reservoir. So that it would not reflect badly on the colonial government, the Municipal Council decided to build a fountain to commemorate Tan's gift to the town. The fountain at Fullerton Square was unveiled in 1882, 18 years after Tan's death in 1864.
Eventually, the proposed impounding reservoir in Thomson was built and completed in 1867. The pumps and distributing network was not completed till 1877. 2 pumping stations were built at MacKenzie Road and Mount Emily. Singapore's first waterworks was officially opened in 1878, 20 years after Tan Kim Seng's philantrophic gesture
In 1891, the Impounding Reservoir, as it was then known, was further enlarged under the supervision of the Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie. MacRitchie Dam was enlarged between 1891 and 1894. The dam was further raised by 1.5m in the period 1903-1905 to increase its storage capacity. The cost of the extension was $32 000 and it increased the capacity of the reservoir to over 1840 million cubic metres (468 million gallons).
The enlarged reservoir was named the Thomson Road Reservoir in 1907 but in 1922, it was renamed MacRitchie Reservoir to recognise James MacRitchie's work.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the average daily supply of water was about 4 million gallons and it was not enough to meet demand. A combination of droughts and increased demand let to water shortages and more plans to increase the water supply. One plan was to channel water from the upper section of the Kallang River into the Thomson Road Reservoir. Another was to build a service reservoir in Pearl's Hill.
To take the water from the Upper Kallang, Thomson Reservoir was extended in 1905. The Kallang Tunnel Works were completed in 1907.
The informant, Mrs Kwong (with her maiden name 'Tai') shed some light on the water tomb mystery
Tomb Mystery and Shui Gui
(Source: an informant who is said to be related to the family descendents of the deceased of the tomb)
Many years ago, there wasn't any reservoir at where it is now called McRitchie reservoir. It was a very scenic hill. And who can guess the eerie tomb where most people shun away nowadays was once a romantic alcove? It was a protruding lookout point in the middle of a hiking track along the slope of a hill. From there the view was spectacular as it over looked a lush hilly landscape like a flowery meadow over the valley. Birds and wild monkeys over the hills sang in orchestra and the nature sounds filled the air.
The above mentioned romantic alcove was a meeting place for Fann and Lok (both are not real names). The alcove witnessed the most drastic emotions of mankind, put up by this couple, through life and death, joy, romance, betrayal, grief and tragedy.
The story happened near the end of 18th century. Fann was a sole daughter of a rich and famous family who run an import trading business with the British. Fann grew up in Britain and always loved nature. Her grew-up environment shaped her to be a bold and open-minded person. That was somewhat opposite to her father that was very traditional and rigorous - a typical Chinese business man who calculates gain and loss more than anything else. Since Fann was young, her family had arranged a marriage for her, that was common in the old days, with a son of a tycoon called Tai. Obviously building a marriage with a tycoon's son would benefit lifting Fann's family business to a new height.
However, Fann never wanted to submit to her fate. Being a girl of 20 years ago, she was autonomous enough to manage her own life. She left home from time to time and she would like to hang out at the scenic walks in McRitchie reservoir (that wasn't a reservoir in those days). That was a perfect place for some quiet moments, away from troubles. It became Fann's favourite sanctuary whenever she felt depressed.
Fann met her Mr. right at the reservoir one day. That was Lok. We didn't know much about Lok, not even our informant. We were told that Lok was a charismatic communist, a leader of some political group before the war who regularly organized gatherings near McRitchie reservoir area. It is their destiny that they bumped, they clicked and fell in love though they came from quite a different background.
Their dating at McRitchie reservoir lasted for some period of time. This couple always met there, fell in love and they vow to get married there with the witness of heaven and earth (the sky and the valley in McRitchie reservoir). They courted each other more and more often, until one day Fann's family got wind about this. As expected, Fann's father was very angry about this affair because her daughter was disobeying him, let alone the fact that Lok was a communist clan leader that was a natural enemy to a Pro-British business man. Fann's father and Tai's father plotted to do something patching up the situation. The arranged marriage had to proceed in only few months time anyway. They wouldn't allow Lok to interrupt about it.
On one fateful evening, as usual, Fann was expecting to meet Lok at their favorite spot in McRitchie reservoir. Instead of Lok, his fellow came and delivered her a letter. Nobody knows what was the content of the letter and who had actually written it. However, on the next morning, Fann's body was found dead at the bottom of the valley, just right under the lookout point where Fann always hanged out. Again, nobody knows whether she jumped down, pushed down or fell down by accident.
After Fann's death, the wedding arranged between the two families of course had to be cancelled. Hence, Fann's family business, without the help of tycoon Tai, plunged down very soon and eventually got bankrupt.
But still, the tycoon's son, Tai loves Fann very much. That was what the public could have seen about. He spent a lot of money and took Fann to be buried at the lookout point with a splendid tomb. The grand tomb had a very superb facing, overseeing the hills across the valley. Many years later, however, McRitchie reservoir was developed into a water catchments area, and the valley turned into a water reservoir as it is of today. Water filled up the valley, to the level of the tomb, flooding even the lower part of it. This is how the name water tomb came about.
How our informant knows so much about? She claimed that she was a relative to Tai but refused to elaborate more. The concealment led us to speculate that there was something dirty that the Tai family had done but we just cannot verify without any evidence.
Under much persistence, our informant finally admitted that Tai's family had done something to intervene into Fann's relationship with Lok, but not with any intent to have her killed. The informant told us another secret too, relating to the choice of location where Fann was buried.
Most people would think that Tai so loved Fann (although it was one way) that he had been so nice to build her a posh tomb. The truth was otherwise.
We were told that Lok was actually murdered in the same year after Fann died, and Fann's body was found to be pregnant by the doctors in hospital. People know that Lok was killed too in a riot but it was actually a plot arranged in purpose. Here is the most intriguing thing. Lok's body was buried in Bukit Brown cemetery (aka Kopi Hill cemetery). That was the idea by his dialect clan leader who in turn was controlled by Tai's family. And Fann's body was offered to be buried at the lookout point that happened to be on the opposite site of the hill.
In other words, Fann and Lok were buried between and separate by a hill, back-to-back. So they never face each other. All these were arranged by Tai! You can see how jealousy turned into hatred, and into revenge.
Since then, Fann's grave was nicked as water tomb. Even more frightening, people believe that is very haunted. Sightings of a female apparition emerging from water are common at night. Some call it Shui Gui (water ghost).
Our informant continued telling. Nowadays the decedents of Tai's family realized what their grandfather had done is tremendously wrong. They feel guilty about it, especially after they heard that the Shui Gui which is believed to be Fann's spirit was haunting the reservoir. They used to invite monks to perform rituals trying to appease the soul but that doesn't help. Till now, Tai's family has been funding a contractor to come and sweep the tomb regularly. Every year they will bring offerings by themselves to the tomb during festivals like Ching Ming and July Hungry Ghost Month.
This is a fair world, when planting a good deed, you will receive a good reward. Likewise a crime will invite mishap. God knows what they have done. Tai's family seems to be cursed. The grandfather and the father were both drown to death, though not in McRitchie reservoir. It wasn't long ago. The father at his late age had developed some mental problem. He was kept at home all the time. But for some unknown reason, one day he sneaked away alone, and found drown in a sewage drain mysteriously. It was classified as an unnatural death by the police, and was reported on news last year.
One last thing that the informant told us. If we want to know whether Fann's spirit is around, throw a coconut into the water. If it floats, that means no spirit. If it sinks, that shows Fann's spirit is around!
That is all our informant shared with us. She looked quite sad at the end of the interview. She kept murmuring to herself "Wrath, such is wrath, how I wish Fann's spirit will be in peace". Yes, SPI too, wishes Fann's spirit would rest in peace.
Pictorial Tour
1. On a fateful midnight, SPI Ah-Toh and SPI Azri set out to investigate the McRitchie water tomb; something seems to be following Azri
2. This is the kind of quiet and eerie tracks they were walking in;
3. Along the way, an exceptional bright orb that looks like a fire ball was captured, it was as if coming to our way!
4. After about 20 minutes of night walk in the dark, they entered the Jering Track that was built over the water
1.Toh and Azri suddenly stopped. Look! Some mysterious water stains. From this photo it looks something has crawled up
and went back down to the water. What is this?? Here is a closer look
2. A little further up, another water stain was found. They are too small to be footprints.
There are several more, and they just appear in the middle of the wooden track. See this one. Werid!
3. This water stain has mud, obviously it is from the muddy water down there. See these photos from another angle (1) (2).
4. Azri and Toh were studying on the mysterious water marks, little they know that some spiritual force was tailing them from behind...
1 & 2. "Watch out" Toh suddenly said. It big tree growing side way was blocking our way. Our heads almost hit on it. Another view.
This big tree looks spooky from a distance. 3. In contrast to it, there is a small tree growing in the water. Another view.
4. After this bay, we will soon reach the water tomb. Our hearts were thumbing fast.
1. Here is the infamous water tomb! 2. On top of it placed a row of joss sticks. Closer view.
3. The frontal view of the tomb, notice the joss stick urn, bottle of tea leaves and a glass jar that has cigarette lighters inside.
Someone must have come regularly and offer incense.
4. The water level just nicely hits the top wedge of the tomb, covering the lower parts of it. See the flooding on the left and on the right
1. Behind the tomb it was a dense bush; 2. We tried bash in and check if there are any similar tombs inside, but the trees are too dense
3. This is the soil where the deceased laying underneath. Just a note though, the roots may have grown all the way down.
Wouldn't the body be badly disturbed by the overgrown tree roots? How would the dead feel comfortably resting among the roots?!
4. Right on top of the tomb, you can see the curling twigs and branches of the dense trees.
Usually the branches of the trees resemble the web structure of their roots.
So you can imagine how messy the roots would be down there. How would then the buried RIP?
All the photos you see above are taken with camera flash.
The actual situation was, in the midst of the eerie water facing the water tomb, in total darkness.
In order to check out more information about the tomb, we had to turn on our searchlight.
However, smart Azri suggested we shone the light on the silver tea leave bottle instead of the tomb stab directly which is rude.
We spent some effort to recognize the faint inscription on the stab stone. Finally we got it, that would help our research.
We felt more and more spooked at this water tomb. The feeling was though something was watching at us.
When Kenny was busy writing down the stab inscription, Azri and Toh sensed and heard something getting more and more disturbing.
In the background sound of crickets from the bush, slight bubbling noise were emerging from the water.
The noise from the water although was faint, it was scary enough to feel that something was swimming towards us, especially in the dark.
Legends of water ghost go as that they would grab your foot to make you drown, even in shallow paddle of water.
"Kenny, hurry up, there could be crocodiles in this area", Toh warned. And the bubbling noise got louder and louder, nearer and nearer.
Without hesitation, Azri turned the searchlight to the water, and we saw........ (!!)
Answering Mysteries
1. Can anybody verify the mystery of the water tomb?
2. How did the deceased lady now resting in the tomb die?
3. Why was that tomb chosen to be located there?
4. Does water ghost exist in McRitchie reservoir?
Come share your views with us!
j20_sg
25-04-2004, 04:21 PM
saw wad?!~ crocodiles? apprition? spi saw wad?
hmm...walked arnd macritchie be4...nvr seem to haf seen this tomb be4...
lyk13
25-04-2004, 04:48 PM
I remember this water tomb was discussed on a tv show last time....forgot liaoz, then SPI webby also have, but I seemingly never see it before....any other experiences by fellow forumers?
. lala .
25-04-2004, 05:17 PM
I saw the pic on the SPI website. Migosh. It's really freaky!! :eek:
ShuLL
25-04-2004, 07:46 PM
yup...read abt it a few days ago on SPI webby...really eerie...
xx357xx
25-04-2004, 09:01 PM
read it when i entered the SPI webby too.. quite spooked out tat nite after reading it.. heh heh.. i wonder wad will happen if the govt reli do dig it up and transfer it somewhere.. haha..
chayedan
26-04-2004, 01:28 AM
I tout the tomb was lim bo seng tomb??
dennis
26-04-2004, 08:02 AM
hmm i think those of us going for a photo shoot this sat (see Keeptouch Events for more info) better avoid this area :grin:
jnifur
02-05-2004, 09:17 PM
I saw that tomb before...at the canopy of pond there.
Strangely enough, last sat went mac ritchie bypass the canopy never saw it.
The last time I been there...I saw...and I was sick....
Yesterday I went...never see...but today still sick...
Maybe weather not gd lah :ls:
xxevilicexx
04-05-2004, 02:47 PM
but wat did the SPI guys saw actually? cant figure out from the pic :confused:
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MacRitchie Reservoir
The distinctive zig-zag bridge and Performing Arts Pavilion are popular spots at the reservoir
Coordinates 1°20′37″N 103°49′52″ECoordinates: 1°20′37″N 103°49′52″E
Lake type reservoir
Basin countries Singapore
MacRitchie Reservoir (Chinese: 麦里芝蓄水池, Pinyin: Maìlǐzhī Xùshuǐchí) is Singapore's oldest reservoir. The reservoir was completed in 1868 by impounding water from an earth embankment, and was then known as the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir.
Contents
1 History
2 Present
3 References
4 See also
5 Gallery
6 External links
[edit]History
Boardwalk at MacRitchie Reservoir
Reservoir, boardwalk and running trail converge
Before the early 19th century, most of the Singapore main island was covered by primary forest. Soon after the British established a settlement in Singapore in 1819 and commercial activity took root, there was a demand for fresh water. However, it was decades before the settlement's first fresh water supply was established.
Between 1820 and 1870, a substantial portion of the virgin forest was cleared to assist Singapore in becoming an important trading post. Prior to this, Chinese planters had also worked the forested land for timber and the cultivation of crops like gambier, pepper and rubber. By 1886, only 10% of the original forest cover remained.
In 1823, British Resident John Crawfurd proposed the building of a reservoir and waterworks, setting aside $1,000 for these plans but nothing came of them. Another plan that ended up in smoke was the idea to tap the headwaters of Singapore Creek.
Finally, in 1857, Straits Chinese merchant Tan Kim Seng donated $13,000 for the improvement of the town's waterworks but delays, poor planning and use of the wrong building materials ate into the budget. New plans were drawn up for an impounding reservoir in Thomson. Tan's money was insufficient – the cost of the new reservoir was $100,000 – but colonial headquarters in Calcutta refused to make up the rest of the cost. When Tan died in 1864, the reservoir was no nearer completion.
Construction was eventually completed in 1868 but the pumps and distributing network were not finished until 1877. By this time, public confidence in the government's ability was dented.
In 1882, in a move to salvage its reputation, the Municipal Council erected a fountain in Fullerton Square in honour of Tan Kim Seng. The fountain was later to moved to Queen Elizabeth Walk, where it stands today.
In 1891, the holding capacity of the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir, after its designer John Turnbull Thomson, was expanded to over 465 million gallons. Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie oversaw this $32,000 expansion and the reservoir was named after him in 1922. In the 1890s, he had urged the government to buy the Chasseriau Estate for use as a reservoir but it was not until much later that the purchase was made.
However, the reservoir's 4 million gallons a day were still insufficient to meet demand. Water was pumped into the reservoir from the upper section of Kallang River, one of the island's bigger sources of fresh water. Other fresh water supplies – Lower Peirce Reservoir and Seletar Reservoir – were completed in 1912 and 1920 respectively. However, the government realised that Singapore would not be able to meet its own fresh water needs. In 1927, a water treaty was signed with the Sultan of Johor. Singapore received its first supply of water from Johor in 1932 but Singapore is now more independent.
The development of the MacRitchie Reservoir brought the forest devastation around the area to a halt. The forest surrounding the reservoir has been protected as a water catchment reserve. The forested areas surrounding the other two reservoirs, Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir (formerly Seletar Reservoir) were also protected when these reservoirs were developed.
During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore built a Shinto Shrine, Syonan Jinja,in the middle of the MacRitchie Reservoir forest in Singapore. When the British forces re-occupied Singapore, the Shrine was destroyed. However, ruins of the shrine remain and serve as a quaint piece of History accessible only to those willing to look for it, given its obscure location. The National Heritage Board declared the site a Historic Site in 2002, although no plans have been made public to develop or to protect the site.
[edit]Present
More than one square kilometre of primary forest still flourishes in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve today, particularly around MacRitchie Reservoir. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations from the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around the reservoir.
There are boardwalks skirting the edge of the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir and walking trails through the forest. They range in distances from 3 km to 11 km. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalks allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the MacRitchie forest.
The boardwalk around the perimeter of the MacRitchie Reservoir brings the visitor through interesting secondary forest in the Central Catchment nature area. The boardwalk which hugs the reservoir also allows for easy exploration of freshwater wildlife. The Ant plant (Macaranga bancana.) and pitcher plants are common in the area.
In addition to the boardwalk, another popular attraction is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a 250 m aerial free standing suspension bridge spanning Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang which are the two highest points in MacRitchie. The bridge was completed in July 2004, and the TreeTop Walk was officially launched on 5 November 2004. The structure, which is 25 m at its highest point, offers visitors a panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the surrounding lush rainforest. Jelutong Tower also offers a view of the Singapore Island Country Club golf course and the MacRitchie Reservoir.
The 3.2 km and 4.8 km trails are still used as cross-country running routes for various inter-school competitions today.
Schools can be seen using the reservoir as a place for water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. There are certain competitions held there annually. A new amenities hub has been recently constructed following the opening of a multi storey car park. This is part of the renewal programme.
[edit]References
National Heritage Board (2002), Singapore's 100 Historic Places, Archipelago Press, ISBN 981-4068-23-3
[edit]See also
Syonan Jinja
[edit]Gallery
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: MacRitchie Reservoir
Sign to the treetop walk
The suspension bridge as part of the treetop walk
[edit]External links
National Parks Board, Central Catchment Nature Reserve - HSBC TreeTop Walk
360 interactive VR photo of MacRitchie Reservoir
SPI Investigates Syonan Jinja
v · d · eReservoirs in Singapore
Nature
Bedok · Jurong Lake · Kranji · Lower Peirce · Lower Seletar · MacRitchie · Marina · Murai · Pandan · Poyan · Pulau Tekong · Punggol · Sarimbun · Serangoon · Tengeh · Upper Peirce · Upper Seletar
Service
Changi Creek · Fort Canning · Jalan Eunos · Kallang · Murnane · Pearl's Hill · South End · Yishun
Planned
Categories: Reservoirs in Singapore | Parks in Singapore | Visitor attractions in Singapore | Central Water Catchment
Log in / create accountArticleDiscussionReadEditView history
MacRitchie Reservoir
The distinctive zig-zag bridge and Performing Arts Pavilion are popular spots at the reservoir
Coordinates 1°20′37″N 103°49′52″ECoordinates: 1°20′37″N 103°49′52″E
Lake type reservoir
Basin countries Singapore
MacRitchie Reservoir (Chinese: 麦里芝蓄水池, Pinyin: Maìlǐzhī Xùshuǐchí) is Singapore's oldest reservoir. The reservoir was completed in 1868 by impounding water from an earth embankment, and was then known as the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir.
Contents
1 History
2 Present
3 References
4 See also
5 Gallery
6 External links
[edit]History
Boardwalk at MacRitchie Reservoir
Reservoir, boardwalk and running trail converge
Before the early 19th century, most of the Singapore main island was covered by primary forest. Soon after the British established a settlement in Singapore in 1819 and commercial activity took root, there was a demand for fresh water. However, it was decades before the settlement's first fresh water supply was established.
Between 1820 and 1870, a substantial portion of the virgin forest was cleared to assist Singapore in becoming an important trading post. Prior to this, Chinese planters had also worked the forested land for timber and the cultivation of crops like gambier, pepper and rubber. By 1886, only 10% of the original forest cover remained.
In 1823, British Resident John Crawfurd proposed the building of a reservoir and waterworks, setting aside $1,000 for these plans but nothing came of them. Another plan that ended up in smoke was the idea to tap the headwaters of Singapore Creek.
Finally, in 1857, Straits Chinese merchant Tan Kim Seng donated $13,000 for the improvement of the town's waterworks but delays, poor planning and use of the wrong building materials ate into the budget. New plans were drawn up for an impounding reservoir in Thomson. Tan's money was insufficient – the cost of the new reservoir was $100,000 – but colonial headquarters in Calcutta refused to make up the rest of the cost. When Tan died in 1864, the reservoir was no nearer completion.
Construction was eventually completed in 1868 but the pumps and distributing network were not finished until 1877. By this time, public confidence in the government's ability was dented.
In 1882, in a move to salvage its reputation, the Municipal Council erected a fountain in Fullerton Square in honour of Tan Kim Seng. The fountain was later to moved to Queen Elizabeth Walk, where it stands today.
In 1891, the holding capacity of the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir, after its designer John Turnbull Thomson, was expanded to over 465 million gallons. Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie oversaw this $32,000 expansion and the reservoir was named after him in 1922. In the 1890s, he had urged the government to buy the Chasseriau Estate for use as a reservoir but it was not until much later that the purchase was made.
However, the reservoir's 4 million gallons a day were still insufficient to meet demand. Water was pumped into the reservoir from the upper section of Kallang River, one of the island's bigger sources of fresh water. Other fresh water supplies – Lower Peirce Reservoir and Seletar Reservoir – were completed in 1912 and 1920 respectively. However, the government realised that Singapore would not be able to meet its own fresh water needs. In 1927, a water treaty was signed with the Sultan of Johor. Singapore received its first supply of water from Johor in 1932 but Singapore is now more independent.
The development of the MacRitchie Reservoir brought the forest devastation around the area to a halt. The forest surrounding the reservoir has been protected as a water catchment reserve. The forested areas surrounding the other two reservoirs, Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir (formerly Seletar Reservoir) were also protected when these reservoirs were developed.
During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore built a Shinto Shrine, Syonan Jinja,in the middle of the MacRitchie Reservoir forest in Singapore. When the British forces re-occupied Singapore, the Shrine was destroyed. However, ruins of the shrine remain and serve as a quaint piece of History accessible only to those willing to look for it, given its obscure location. The National Heritage Board declared the site a Historic Site in 2002, although no plans have been made public to develop or to protect the site.
[edit]Present
More than one square kilometre of primary forest still flourishes in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve today, particularly around MacRitchie Reservoir. Rubber trees, remnants of the plantations from the 19th century, can still be seen along the fringes around the reservoir.
There are boardwalks skirting the edge of the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir and walking trails through the forest. They range in distances from 3 km to 11 km. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalks allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the MacRitchie forest.
The boardwalk around the perimeter of the MacRitchie Reservoir brings the visitor through interesting secondary forest in the Central Catchment nature area. The boardwalk which hugs the reservoir also allows for easy exploration of freshwater wildlife. The Ant plant (Macaranga bancana.) and pitcher plants are common in the area.
In addition to the boardwalk, another popular attraction is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a 250 m aerial free standing suspension bridge spanning Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang which are the two highest points in MacRitchie. The bridge was completed in July 2004, and the TreeTop Walk was officially launched on 5 November 2004. The structure, which is 25 m at its highest point, offers visitors a panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the surrounding lush rainforest. Jelutong Tower also offers a view of the Singapore Island Country Club golf course and the MacRitchie Reservoir.
The 3.2 km and 4.8 km trails are still used as cross-country running routes for various inter-school competitions today.
Schools can be seen using the reservoir as a place for water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. There are certain competitions held there annually. A new amenities hub has been recently constructed following the opening of a multi storey car park. This is part of the renewal programme.
[edit]References
National Heritage Board (2002), Singapore's 100 Historic Places, Archipelago Press, ISBN 981-4068-23-3
[edit]See also
Syonan Jinja
[edit]Gallery
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: MacRitchie Reservoir
Sign to the treetop walk
The suspension bridge as part of the treetop walk
[edit]External links
National Parks Board, Central Catchment Nature Reserve - HSBC TreeTop Walk
360 interactive VR photo of MacRitchie Reservoir
SPI Investigates Syonan Jinja
v · d · eReservoirs in Singapore
Nature
Bedok · Jurong Lake · Kranji · Lower Peirce · Lower Seletar · MacRitchie · Marina · Murai · Pandan · Poyan · Pulau Tekong · Punggol · Sarimbun · Serangoon · Tengeh · Upper Peirce · Upper Seletar
Service
Changi Creek · Fort Canning · Jalan Eunos · Kallang · Murnane · Pearl's Hill · South End · Yishun
Planned
Categories: Reservoirs in Singapore | Parks in Singapore | Visitor attractions in Singapore | Central Water Catchment
Log in / create accountArticleDiscussionReadEditView history
Monday, August 22, 2011
Secret society in Singapore
Lim, Irene. (1999) Secret societies in Singapore, National Heritage Board, Singapore History Museum, Singapore ISBN 981-3018-79-8[verification needed]
[edit]See also
Salakau
Angsoontong
Ghee Hin Kong Si
Chung Keng Quee's and Tan Kim Ching's roles in the ending of the Larut Wars
Hai San Kong Si
List of Chinese criminal organizations
Tan Kim Ching
Triad (underground society)
[hide]v · d · eOrganized crime groups in Asia
National groups
Chinese Triad • Indian mafia • Japanese Yakuza • Kkangpae (South Korea) • Tamurats (Turkey)
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Categories: Secret societies in Singapore | Organized crime groups in Asia | Organisations based in Singapore | Gangs in Asia | Secret societies related to organized crime | Tongs (organizations) | Triad | Triad groups
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[edit]See also
Salakau
Angsoontong
Ghee Hin Kong Si
Chung Keng Quee's and Tan Kim Ching's roles in the ending of the Larut Wars
Hai San Kong Si
List of Chinese criminal organizations
Tan Kim Ching
Triad (underground society)
[hide]v · d · eOrganized crime groups in Asia
National groups
Chinese Triad • Indian mafia • Japanese Yakuza • Kkangpae (South Korea) • Tamurats (Turkey)
View page ratings
Rate this page
What's this?
Trustworthy
Objective
Complete
Well-written
I am highly knowledgeable about this topic (optional)
Submit ratings
Categories: Secret societies in Singapore | Organized crime groups in Asia | Organisations based in Singapore | Gangs in Asia | Secret societies related to organized crime | Tongs (organizations) | Triad | Triad groups
Log in / create accountArticleDiscussionReadEditView history
Sunday, August 21, 2011
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE HISTORY
Singapore Police Force
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Encyclopedia The Singapore Police Force (Abbreviation: SPF; ; ; ) is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police (Abbreviation: RSP; ), it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force. It enjoys a relatively positive public image, and is credited for helping to arrest Singapore's civic unrests and lawlessness in its early years, and maintaining the low crime rate today despite having a smaller police-citizen ratio compared to other major cities. Singapore has been ranked consistently in the top five positions in the Global Competitiveness Report in terms of its reliability of police services.
The organisation structure of the SPF is split between the staff and line functions, roughly modelled after the military. There are currently 15 staff departments and 13 line units. The headquarters is located in a block at New Phoenix Park in Novena, adjacent to a twin block occupied by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
History
Early years
The Singapore Police Force has a heritage almost as old as that of modern Singapore, having been formed in 1819 with a skeleton force of 11 men under the command of Francis James Bernard, son-in-law of William Farquhar, and kept in operation with a monthly budget of $300. Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide range of roles, and required the help of headmen amongst the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the streets, all the more possible as the communities lived in segregated areas around the city.
This partnership with the community was in line with Sir Stamford Raffles' vision of a thriving colony largely self-regulated by local social structures, with the British masters administrating it via indirect rule. The large influx of migrants from China, however, began to test this system when the hands-off approach by the British allowed secret societies in Singapore to thrive. Although originally formed with legal intentions of community bonding and the provision of assistance to fellow migrants, these societies gradually became influential, competitive, and increasingly engaged in illegal activity including monetary extortion from the masses, the operation of gambling dens, and the smuggling of illegal goods on top of more legal commercial operations to meet their financial needs.
Competition gradually heated up between large rival factions, such as that between the larger Ghee Hin Kongsi, the Ghee Hock Kongsi and the Hai San Kongsi. Murders, mass riots, kidnappings, arson and other serious crimes became commonplace in the next four decades since the colony's founding. Faced with violent acts of crime which may involve thousands, such as the funeral riots of 1846 involving 9,000 members from the Ghee Hin and Ghee Hock secret societies, the police force was woefully incapable of bringing the situation under control, and often had to call in the army for assistance. The escalating number of serious crimes prompted the need for stronger legislation to deter would-be criminals. Singapore's first executions were thus held in the wake of the first criminal session in June 1828, when a Chinese and Indian were found guilty and convicted for murder.
Headed by Europeans and predominantly staffed by Malay and Indian officers, the force had little Chinese representation as the military and policing professionals were traditionally shunned by the Chinese community, which therefore impaired policing efforts amongst the large Chinese populace. In 1843, the force comprised a sitting magistrate doubling up as a superintendent, three European constables and an assistant native constable, 14 officers and 110 policemen. With a total strength of no more than 150 men, the police was compelled to avoid direct intervention in these mass acts of violence, else risking almost total annihilation.
A repeat of this scenario occurred in 1851, when lingering displeasure against Roman Catholic ethnic Chinese erupted into major rioting leaving over 500 Chinese dead. The army was called in again, although it involved having to induct Indian convicts into military service almost overnight. In 1854, twelve consecutive days of violence sparked by a dispute between the Hokkiens and Teochews disrupted trade. This particular incident led to the formation of the military's Singapore Rifle Corps on 8 July 1854, the earliest predecessor of the Singapore Armed Forces' People's Defence Force today.
Criminal violence was not merely in the domain of the ethnic Chinese, however. Rivalries between Malay princes and communities also often result in acts of violence, which prompted the passing of Singapore's first arms law in March 1823 restricting the right to bear arms to 24 of the Malay Sultan's followers. Nearly two centuries later, these anti-arms laws continue to be strictly enforced, resulting in a society relatively free from firearms-related criminal offences.
Police Pledge
We pledge to be loyal and true to the Police service and the Republic of Singapore.
We pledge to uphold the law, to protect life and property, to prevent and detect crime.
We pledge to discharge our responsibilities without fear or favour, regardless of race, language or religion.
We pledge to strive for excellence, to be proactive and to exercise initiative in our duties.
We pledge to serve our community and our country and to be courteous and humane in our dealings with every fellowman.
Police Headquarters
Appointment Rank Abbreviation Name Address
Commissioner of Police Commissioner of Police CP Ng Joo Hee New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Deputy Commissioner (Policy) Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Wong Hong Kuan New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Chief of Staff Senior Assistant Commissioner SAC Vacant New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Senior Director (P&D) Senior Assistant Commissioner SAC Ang Hak Seng New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Staff departments
Department Abbreviation Director Address
Administration and Finance Department A&F SUPT Jo Choo New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Commercial Affairs Department CAD Mr. Ng Hian Sun Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road Block D
Criminal Investigation Department CID AC Hoong Wee Teck Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road Block C
Manpower Department MPD SAC Jerry See New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Operations Department OPS AC Lim Kok Thai New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Planning and Organisation Department P&O AC Ng Yeow Boon New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Police Custodial Department PCD AC Jarmal Singh New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Police Intelligence Department PID AC Hoong Wee Teck New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Police Logistics Department PLD DAC Stephen Teng New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Police National Service Department PNSD AC Tan Ngo Chew Old Police Academy, 1 Mount Pleasant Road Block 2A
Police Technology Department PTD MR Kan Siew Ning New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Public Affairs Department PAD AC Ng Guat Ting New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Security Industry Regulatory Department SIRD DAC Jessica Kwok New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Service Development and Inspectorate Department SDI AC Anselm Lopez New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road
Volunteer Special Constabulary VSC AC (V) S Lakshmanan Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road Block C
Traffic Police Department TP DAC Cheang Keng Keong 10 Ubi Avenue 3
Training Command TRACOM AC Zuraidah Abdullah Home Team Academy, 501 Old Choa Chu Kang Road
National Police Cadet Corps NPCC SUPT Rosalind Khoo Home Team Academy, 501 Old Choa Chu Kang Road
Line units
Line units Abbreviation Commander Address
Ang Mo Kio Police Division 'F' Division DAC Hsu Sin Yun 51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9
Bedok Police Division 'G' Division DAC Teo Chun Ching 30 Bedok North Road
Central Police Division 'A' Division DAC Tan Hung Hooi Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road Block A
Clementi Police Division 'D' Division DAC Melvin Yong 20 Clementi Avenue 5
Jurong Police Division 'J' Division DAC Florence Chua 2 Jurong West Avenue 5
Tanglin Police Division 'E' Division DACKoh Yak Leng 21 Kampong Java Road
Airport Police AP DAC Keok Tong San 35 Airport Boulevard
Gurkha Contingent GC DAC Ross Forman Mount Vernon Camp
Police Coast Guard PCG AC Teo Kian Teck 11 Brani Way
Public Transport Security Command TransCom DAC Andy Tan 132 Paya Lebar Road (Old Geylang Police Station, Geylang NPC)
Security Command SecCom DAC Lim Chee Pheng 2 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh (Old Toa Payoh Police Station)
Special Operations Command SOC AC Raymond Yeo Queensway Base
Finances
The Singapore Police Force receives the highest budget allocation annually compared to the various departments of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), regularly accounting for about 50% ot its annual budget. For the financial year 2006 (for the year beginning 1 April 2006), S$2.27 billion was budgeted to the MHA, of which 52.8%, or S$1.28 billion was allocated for the Police Programme. Actual expenses in the 2006 financial year was S$1.33 billion, of which S$1.14 billion was spent on operating expenditure (against the budgeted S$1.10 billion) and S$188.28 million on development expenditure (budgeted at $171.52 million). Manpower costs amounting to S$709.11 million continue to dominate the SPF's expenditure, accounting for 62.2% of its operating expenditure and 53.4% of total expenditure in FY2006.
Year ended Operating Expenditure Development Expenditure Total Expenditure
Other Operating
(millions) Manpower
(millions) Total
(millions) Budgeted Total
(millions) Budgeted Total
(millions) Budgeted
31 March 2004 325.61 636.47 962.08 142.14 1,104.22
31 March 2005 325.27 655.56 980.83 214.83 1,195.66
31 March 2006 343.11 668.62 1011.73 948,615,140 267.74 246,085,700 1,279.47 1,194,700,840
31 March 2007 431.13 709.11 1,140.24 1,103,597,000 188.28 171,522,700 1,328.52 1,275,119,700
31 March 2008
1,218,736,370
69,353,000
1,288,089,370
31 March 2009
1,246,301,000
129,985,000
1,376,286,000
The latest budget for financial year 2008, S$1.38 billion was allocated to the Police Programme, or 47.2% of MHA's total budget of S$2.91 billion (The Ministry of Defence, in comparison, receives a S$10.08 billion budget allocation). This includes S$1.25 billion for Operating expenditure and $129.99 million for Development Expenditure. The main Development Expenditures expected in FY2008 included the installation of an electronic surveillance system, the building of an Integrated Tactical Training Centre and procurement of new Coastal Patrol Crafts for the Police Coast Guard.
Manpower
As at 31 March 2006, the total strength of the force stands at 34,397, of which 12,496 are full-time staff. Manpower trends in recent years are as follows:
Year ended Regulars Civilians PNSF PNSmen VSC Total
31 March 2003 7,791 1,210 3,664 21,843 1,020 35,528
31 March 2004 8,035 1,238 4,104 22,311 1,098 36,786
31 March 2005 8,001 1,255 3,958 23,461 1,164 37,839
31 March 2006 7,949 1,246 3,861 24,349 1,182 38,587
31 March 2007 7,826 1,206 3,464 20,852 1,049 34,397
The full-time uniformed officers are predominantly male, accounting for about 87% of total full-time strength. This is in part due to the all-male profile of PNSFs, although the ratio of female regular officers has been steadily increasing over the years. The force is also dominated by younger officers. Besides the presence of PNSFs who usually serve up to two years typically from age 18, there is also a relatively high turnover rate amongst regular officers.
Regulars
Regulars, or uniformed, full-time officers, constitute about 20% of the police's total workforce and number approximately 8,000 in strength. Basic entry requirements for police officers include normal fitness levels, good eyesight, and at least five passes in the GCE Ordinary level or a NITEC from the Institute of Technical Education, although those with lower qualifications may still be considered. Those joining the senior police officers require a basic degree from a recognised university. Alternatively, police officers from the junior ranks may also be considered for promotion into the senior ranks. Officers serving in the force as national servicemen are also regularly considered for absorption into the regular scheme. Basic training for all officers are conducted at the Home Team Academy, under the purview of the Police Training Command. It takes about six months and nine months to train a new police officer and senior police officer respectively.
As is the case with many other civil service positions in Singapore, the salaries of police officers are reviewed in accordance to market rates. Salaries are kept competitive as part of anti-corruption measures. Gross starting salaries for police officers may range from S$1,559.43 to $2,186.90, and that of senior police officers from S$2,650.00 to S$3,889.00, depending on entry qualifications and National Service.
Police officers commence their careers as Sergeants (Full GCE 'A' level or Diploma holders) or Corporals (other qualifications), while senior police officers start as either Assistant Superintendent of Police (2nd Upper Honours Degree and above) or Inspectors (2nd Lower Honours degree and lower). Reviews of an officer's performance for promotion consideration are conducted annually. Interviews conducted for promotion to certain ranks were phased out since 1995. It takes approximately five years for a police officer to be promoted to the next rank, although the system allows for accelerated promotion for outstanding officers.
While joining the force as a career is generally considered a respectable decision in contemporary Singapore, support from the ethnic Malay community has been traditionally stronger due to less social stigma attached to the profession. Traditionally, Chinese culture has eschewed careers in uniformed positions, resulting in a force dominated by non-Chinese officers for most of the force's early history. National servicemen also contribute a higher proportion of ethnic Malays in the force. The current ethnic profile of the force continues to have a significantly higher proportion of ethnic minorities compared to the national ethnic profile, although such an outcome is related to operational demands: police resources are typically deployed with a diverse ethnic mix to decrease communication problems while attending to incidents in ethnically-diverse Singapore.
Competition in the employment market, usually heating up during economic boom times, occasionally depressed the number of police recruits as well as its existing ranks. A series of major incidents in 2008 affecting agencies of the Home Affairs Ministry has led to the ministry conducting a study which concluded that there is a shortage of officers, resulting in officers being "overstretched, strained and overstressed". In the police force, it was admitted that the recruitment and retention of non-graduate police officers has been "adversely affected by the tighter labour market", with resignation rates increasing by 50% between 2004 and 2007. Recruitment figures, while remaining relatively stable, has been unable to "address the higher demands placed on the Force". Various measures were thus taken in response, including an increase in starting salaries, sign-on bonuses for senior police officers, and retention bonuses of up to S$30,000 for non-graduate police officers in a bid to encourage them to stay for at least eight years, over the five years where many leave at the end of their service bonds.
Police national servicemen
While national service was introduced in 1967 in Singapore, it was solely geared towards the building up of the Singapore Armed Forces. There was little urgency in the police force to increase its manpower strength until the Laju incident in 1974 demonstrated the need for additional trained reserve officers who can be called up at short notice in the event of an emergency. National service was thus extended to the Singapore Police Force in 1975, with the primary aim of guarding key installations and to act as a reserve unit. Subsequent expansion of the scheme, changing security needs, and the trend in outsourcing installation protection (such as to the Auxiliary Police Forces) has expanded their role to more functions, which may range from administration, investigation to front-line policing alongside their regular counterparts.
Volunteers
Formed in 1946, The Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) is an important component of the Singapore Police Force, contributing more than fifty years of volunteer service to the nation.
The VSC is composed of volunteers from all walks of life in Singapore, from businessmen to blue-collar executives to even bus captains, bonded with the same aspiration to serve the nation by complementing the Singapore Police Force. They are vested with equal powers of a police officer to enforce law and order in Singapore. VSC Officers don the same police uniform and patrol the streets, participate in anti-drug operations and sometimes even high-speed sea chases.
Previously headquartered at the Eu Tong Sen Street Police Station and Toa Payoh Police Station, it relocated to the new Police Cantonment Complex in year 2000.
Civilian staff
Civilian staff in the Police Force are deployed in areas such as technology, logistics, human resource and administrative and finance services as well as planning and intelligence.
The civilian staff schemes falls under the general civil service schemes managed by the Public Service Division. These schemes include:
Management Executive Scheme(MX) for degree holders
Home Affairs Senior Executive (HASE)
Corporate Support Scheme (CS) for diploma and below
Technical Support Officer
Corporate Support Officer
The civilization of non-core police functions have accelerated over the years in order to free up additional manpower for redeployment into Police Divisions. Other changes include the deployment of contract staff through organizations such as Ministry of Finance's VITAL.org for administrative staff and partners such as Singapore Technologies, CSA Singapore for technical support.
Staff Welfare
Aquatic Club
Home United Basketball Club (HUBC)
Home United Football Club (HUFC)
JOM - Clubhouse for Police Officers
Polwel Co-operative Society Limited
Police Computer Club
Police Sports Association (PSA)
Police Welfare Division
Senior Police Officers' Mess (SPOM)
Singapore Police Co-operative Society Limited
Uniforms
Dark blue (or more accurately Dacron blue) is the organisational colour of the Singapore Police Force, and has remained so continuously since 1969, although the first police uniforms introduced in 1856 were also in the same colour.
On 1 July 1969, dacron blue made a comeback to the uniform with a force-wide change away from khaki overnight, in part to coincide with Singapore's 150th anniversary since its founding in 1819. The new uniform comprises a dark blue peak cap, shirt, trousers, black belt, shoes and socks, and coded whistle lanyard in blue and white. 3 large and 4 small metal buttons, metal collar badges, and a metal cap badge are affixed, and a black plastic name tag completes the uniform. Metallic ranks, if any, are fixed to the sleeve or on the shoulders for senior officers. The lanyard was changed to a metal chain in 1972, and in 1985, the material of the uniform was changed from 75% polyester 25% cotton to 100% polyester for ease of daily maintenance.
Derivatives of the standard blue uniform (collectively called the no.3 uniform) was adopted for specialised forces and for all officers in various occasions which calls for more formal or casual attire. The Traffic Police Department was amongst the few to move away from the all-blue attire, adopting a short-sleeved white tunic, dark blue breeches, a black leather Sam Browne belt, and riding boots for its officers performing mobile squad duties. A white crash helmet is worn when on the move, while a new dark blue jockey cap with chequered white and dark blue patterns around its circumference is worn when convenient while performing static duty. Members of the Vigilante Corps are also attired by a white short-sleeved top similar in design to the dark blue version for normal officers, gold-coloured buttons and badges, and a dark blue beret in place of the peak cap.
Combat uniforms has also been adopted for specialist units such as those from the Special Operations Command and the Police Coast Guard (PCG), collectively known as the No.4 uniforms. These involve the replacement of metal buttons with sewn-on plastic ones, the avoidance of all other metallic accruements which are deemed potentially hazardous to the officer or to others and the use of long-sleeved shirts. SOC officers wear combat boots while officers in PCG use lace up leather shoes with non-slip soles. These units also tend to adopt the beret as their headgear, although PCG officers use the baseball cap while on operational duties.
There was no major change to the uniform since then, except for the adoption of embroidered shoulder ranks and badges for all ranks in the 1990s. Other changes are less distinct, such as the upgrading of shoes used, the change of the belt material and belt buckle to one including the police crest, and changes to the peak cap to a more durable and ventilated version.
Ranks
A standard rank structure is used throughout the police force, although some ranks may be unique to specific organisations. These ranks are denoted where applicable in the following list, which lists them in ascending seniority:
Police officers
The rank of Corporal was abolished in 1972, but reinstated in 1976. In 1997, all ranks were shifted from the sleeves to the epaulettes, except for the Gurkha Contingent. Also in the same year, the Station Inspector rank was changed from collar pips to epaulettes with a new design similar to that of the SAF Warrant Officers, and the rank of Senior Station Inspector was introduced. In 1998, the Senior Station Inspector (2) rank was introduced, and changes were made to the SI, SSI, and SSI(2) rank designs. The rank of Lance Corporal was abolished in 2002. The 2006, the Gurkha Contingent adopted embroidered ranks as part of an overhaul of its combat dress, but are worn on the right front pocket.http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/inescutcheon/RanksMilitary.htm&date=2009-10-26+00:26:41
Rank Abbreviation Trainee Regular NSF NSmen VSC Gurkha
Constable PC T/PC NA NA PC PC PC
Special Constable SC T/SC NA SC NA NA NA
Corporal CPL T/CPL CPL |SC/CPL CPL (NS) CPL (V) CPL
Sergeant SGT T/SGT SGT SC/SGT SGT (NS) SGT (V) SGT
Staff Sergeant SSGT NA SSGT SC/SSGT SSGT (NS) SSGT (V) SSGT
Senior Staff Sergeant SSSGT NA SSSGT NA SSSGT (NS) SSSGT (V) SSSGT
Station Inspector SI NA SI NA SI (NS) SI (V) SI
Senior Station Inspector SSI NA SSI NA SSI (NS) SSI (V) NA
Senior Station Inspector (2) SSI (2) NA SSI (2) NA SSI(2) (NS) SSI(2)(V) NA
Senior police officers
Rank Abbreviation Trainee Regular NSF NSmen VSC Gurkha
Inspector INSP OCT(NSF)
P/INSP INSP NSPI
NSI INSP (NS) INSP (V)
Chief Inspector NA NA NA NA NA NA C/INSP
Assistant Superintendent ASP P/ASP ASP ASP (NS) ASP (NS) ASP (V) ASP
Deputy Superintendent DSP NA DSP NA DSP (NS) DSP (V) DSP
Superintendent SUPT NA SUPT NA SUPT (NS) SUPT(V) SUPT
Deputy Assistant Commissioner DAC NA DAC NA NA DAC (V) DAC
Assistant Commissioner AC NA AC NA NA AC(V) AC
Senior Assistant Commissioner SAC NA SAC NA NA NA NA
Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP/DC NA DCP NA NA NA NA
Commissioner of Police CP NA CP NA NA NA NA
Weapons and equipment
Police officers in the various divisions are armed when conducting regular uniformed patrols and plainclothes duties. A force-wide change from the 5-shot Smith & Wesson Model 36 (with 3 inch barrel) to the 5-shot .38 Taurus Model 85 was undertaken in August 2002, featuring a laser sight and a new snatch-resistant holster. A new speedloader was introduced in the same year to replace the old bullet pouch, allowing for quicker reloading of the revolvers and reducing the likelihood of misplaced bullets. In 2001, the Monadnock PR-21 side handle baton (more commonly known as the T-baton) replaced the wooden batons and retractable nightsticks to enhance their defensive capabilities. In addition, each officer is issued with one pair of handcuffs.
The primary communication tool carried by each officer is through a digital radio set provided by Matra Nortel Communications, the same provider for other Home Team organisations such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force. A trial of individual palmtops (called mPOD), developed from the Hewlett-Packard Jornada 928, which allows officers to screen persons and vehicles on the go without having to rely on radio communication. There are currently no plans to roll out the mPOD forcewide as the results of the trial were not considered favourable.
Also currently on trial by officers from Bukit Merah East Neighbourhood Police Centre and Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre is the Taser X26 stun gun, which provides another non-lethal means of subduing suspects. Despite some safety concerns due to incidents experienced by foreign police forces, the weapon was deemed suitable for use by trained personnel, and was rolled out in phases across other NPCs.
Strict enforcement of anti-arm laws which are in existence in Singapore since 1823 has resulted in a relatively disarmed society, where firearms-related crimes are rare. It is therefore not an operational requirement for police officers to don bulletproof vests when conducting normal policing duties. However, these vests are carried in police vehicles and stocked in police establishments and can be rapidly utilised should the situation require it. From 2004, new multi-purpose vests were introduced which offer officers protection against most handgun fire, knife thrusts, as well as doubling up as a buoyancy vest should officers fall into deep water.
In 2006, the Singapore Police Force acquired new firearms for the Special Operations Command, namely the Sphinx 3000 pistol. Prior to this, the standard issue for the SOC was the SIG P226 pistol, also operated by the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command. Heckler & Koch USP pistols are also known to be used by the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR), Security Command and the Police Coast Guard's Special Task Squadron. The Singapore Police Force, also uses the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun and the Remington 870 shotgun.
Vehicles
Land division officers typically respond to calls in rapid-deployment vehicles known as the Fast Response Car (FRC). The SPF have been staunch users of Japanese-made saloon cars since the 1980s for patrol duties, with the mainstay models in use being the various generations of the Mitsubishi Lancers, Mazda 323s and Toyota Corollas. At the turn of the century they have also included Nissan Sunnys, and most recently acquired Subaru Impreza 1.6 TS sedans (not to be confused with the Subaru Impreza WRX used by the Traffic Police). All FRCs carry a large array of equipment to allow officers to conduct normal policing duties and basic investigative work which officers are expected to perform with the implementation of the Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) system. A typical FRC vehicle may therefore stock equipment for the force-opening of locked doors, conducting roadblocks, fingerprint collection, and the provision of first aid. On top of these, chemical agent protection equipment and bulletproof vests are also carried for the officer's protection.
In 2002, the Enhanced Patrol Vehicle Project was unveiled at the SPF's annual workplan seminar to highlight the need for off-road capability. The Volvo V70 AWD XC, Mitsubishi Space Wagon and Mitsubishi Chariot underwent evaluation in various NPCs. Eventually, all NPCs were to have at least three of such vehicles, but the project was met with skepticism by some of the public, stating that the police need not use such "luxurious vehicles" for police patrols. In 2004, the new Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) was introduced, consisting of cheaper modified Toyota Hi-Lux sport utility vehicles. These vehicles utilise diesel-power which provide greater ability to endure high usage on the roads over extensive periods of time. Their bigger storage space also allows for easier storage and retrieval of equipment.
Other vehicles typically used in NPCs include the scooters and vans. Bicycles, although currently less seen, are still used by land division officers occasionally, particularly when conducting routine patrols in large, sprawling private housing estates. At NDP 2007, the Singapore Police Force unveiled a Tenix S600 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) had been purchased for its operations for the Special Operations Command.
For weaponry, equipment and vehicles of the various specialist forces, please see their respective pages for details.
Auxiliary Police Forces
Aetos Security Management Private Limited (CIAS / PSA / ST Kinetics)
Certis CISCO Security Private Limited - The oldest and largest auxiliary.
Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) Auxiliary Police Force
Corporate Security and Revenue Scrutiny (CREUNCSE) Auxiliary Police Force
Units
Old Police Academy - vacated in 2006, relocated to Old Choa Chu Kang Road as part of the Home Team Academy, leaving behind the Police National Service provost unit and Traffic Police driving test school. The accommodation barracks and training facilities of the Old Police academy currently houses the training departments for all auxiliary police forces in Singapore.
Geylang Police Division defunct 'C' Division HQ - closed and vacated in 2000, areas of responsibility was divided between 'A', 'F' & 'G' Divisions. Station's status - Currently in use by Geylang NPC under 'G' Bedok Police Division and by Public Transport Security Command.
Toa Payoh Police Division defunct 'B' Division HQ - closed and vacated in 1988, areas of responsibility was divided between 'E' & 'F' Divisions. Station was refurbished and is currently in use by Security Command.
Land Divisions
Beach Road Police Station - former site of 'A' Division HQ, vacated in 2000 and was transferred to the charge of Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which in turn released the premises for use by private developers.
Eu Tong Sen Street Police Station - former HQ site of CAD, CID & VSC since 1994, vacated in 2001 and was transferred to the charge of SLA. Station status pending.
Joo Chiat Police Station - former site of 'G' Division HQ, vacated in 1987 and was transferred to the charge of SLA, which in turn released the premises for use by private developers.
Old Hill Street Police Station - vacated in 1980, this old police station and barracks was refurbished and rebuilt in 2001, it currently houses the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts of Singapore.
Paya Lebar Police Station - former site of 'F' Division HQ, vacated in 1987, released for use by 2nd Division HQ SCDF.
Queenstown Police Station - former site of 'D' Division HQ, vacated in 1988, released for use by 1st Division HQ SCDF.
Old Tanglin Police Station - former site of 'E' Division HQ, vacated in 2001, currently being redeveloped as the Interpol Global Complex.
Taman Jurong Police Station - vacated in 1980 and demolished in 1988, the surrounding land at the site has been redeveloped as a HDB housing precinct.
Ama Keng Police Sub-station sited directly across the road from Ama Keng Chinese Temple in Lim Chu Kang, the station was closed and vacated in 1980, duties taken over by Jurong Police Division.
Bukit Panjang Police Sub-station
Pasir Panjang Police Sub-station - closed and vacated in 1986 following the inauguration of Pasir Panjang NPP & West Coast NPP. Demolished in 1991, the surrounding land at site was redeveloped as a private condominium - The Spectrum.
Woodlands Police Sub-station - closed in 1999 (located within the old Woodlands Checkpoint building since 1980), Woodlands Neighbourhood Police Centre has since taken over its duty.
Kranji Police Post - closed and vacated in 1997 following the inauguration of Yew Tee NPP, building was demolished for land clearing to build factory.
Police Coast Guard
Kallang Regional Base - vacated in 2007, relocated to Brani Regional Base at Pulau Brani, status pending.
Jurong Regional Base - vacated in 1999, relocated to Gul Regional Base, base was demolished to make way for the Jurong Island Highway.
Pulau Sakeng Police Post - closed and vacated in 1987 after the last islander left, the island was subsumed by the land reclamation process of the nearby Pulau Semakau. The Semakau landfill receiving station was built on top of the island after the reclamation process.
Popular media works related to SPF
Books
In the service of the nation, 1985
999: True Cases from the CID, 1987
Service to the Nation: 50 years of the Volunteer Special Constabulary, 1998
Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries, 2002
Justice is Done, 2005
The Adventures of Constable Acai, 1987: A series of crime stories, based on actual crimes from police files were compiled into story books from the popular children's magazine Young Generation, about the adventures of a fictional policeman named Constable Acai. They were written by officers from the Crime Prevention Department to instill crime awareness in children during the 80's through to the mid 90's. The other books in this series are as below:
More Adventures of Constable Acai, 1989
Constable Acai Fights Crime, 1996
Novels
Operation Firestorm, 1997
Periodicals
Singapore Police Magazine
Police Life, 1971 to present
Police Life Annual
Television programs
Documentary
Crimewatch, 1986-Current
True Files, 2002–2007
Drama
Seletar Robbery (实里达大劫案), 1982
CID '83, 1983
First Step (踏上征途), 1986: On women in the police force
Patrol (铁警雄风), 1989: A take on the lives of the men in the Traffic Police Department
Crime and Passion (執法先鋒), 1991
Triple Nine, 1995-1998: On the adventures of a CID team.
City Cops (城市双雄), 1996
Of Cops And Men (警网双雄), 1996
Dare To Strike (扫冰者), 14 November 2000: the phrase "Dare to Strike" is the motto of the Central Narcotics Bureau
The Reunion (顶天立地), 26 December 2001
Heartlanders, 2002-2005: On two Neighbourhood Police Centre officers
True Heroes (城市英雄), 5 May 2003: On a rookie Neighbourhood Police Centre officer
The Frontline (家在前线), 2003: This fictional six-part TV show depicts how Singaporeans cope after the German mastermind of a neo-anarchist organisation sets off a bomb at a naval base as an anti-imperialistic statement against Singapore's ties with the United States. It showcases the capabilities of the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Armed Forces to deal with terrorism. Many technologies introduced in this series has never been before shown to the public. It is also the only local television series to date to accurately depict the Police's elite Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) team and the Army's Special Operations Forces (SOF) although the latter unit was never addressed by name in the show. They were instead referred to as "The Commandos".
Police & Thief, 2004–2010
Life Line, 2005–2007
Without Warning, 2006
C.I.D. (刑警2人组), 12 June 2006
Metamorphosis (破茧而出), 18 September 2007
Crime Busters x 2 (叮当神探), 30 September 2008
Unriddle (最火搭档), 2010
C.L.I.F. (警徽天职), 2011
Movies
The Last Blood (驚天十二小時), 1991
2000 AD (公元2000), 1999
After School (放学后), 2004: A film released by the National Crime Prevention Council to harness the power of cinema as a public education tool to reach out to young Singaporeans and their families.
See also
Project Griffin
Major crimes in Singapore
Law enforcement in Singapore
List of law enforcement agencies
Internal Security Department
Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau
External links
Organization, Recruitment, and Training of Police
Public Order and Internal Security (1989)
Singapore Police Force Band
Training the Police
Police-related Singapore news
Crossing the generation gap
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
HISTORY OF THE SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page.
It needs additional references or sources for verification. Tagged since December 2007.
It may contain original research or unverifiable claims. Tagged since December 2007.
Its tone or style may not reflect the formal tone used on Wikipedia. Tagged since December 2007.
It is written like a personal reflection or essay and may require cleanup. Tagged since December 2007.
The History of the Singapore Police Force is a long one, and in many ways, has paralleled the astronomical economic growth of the country the force is tasked to protect. From a staff of eleven men based in a simple attap hut, the force has grown to over 36,000 men and women, basing their operations from thirty-two Neighbourhood Police Centres, sixty Neighbourhood Police Posts, and various other land and marine establishments spread across the country.
[edit]Early years
The Singapore Police Force has a heritage almost as old as that of modern Singapore, having been formed in 1819 with a skeleton force of 11 men under the command of Francis James Bernard, son-in-law of William Farquhar. With no background nor knowledge on policing, Bernard had to work from scratch, as well as occasionally turning to Farquhar for help. In addition, he held multiple roles as magistrate, chief jailer, harbour master, marine storekeeper, as well as personal assistants to Farquhar.
Despite these constraints, Bernard managed to establish the force by recruiting a jemadar (Asian sergeant), eight peons (patrolmen), a jailer, and a Malay writer, kept in operation by a monthly budget of $300. It is likely that some of these men were recruited from amongst the Indian sepoys brought to the settlement by its founder, Sir Stamford Raffles. Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide range of roles, and required the help of headmen amongst the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the streets, all the more possible as the communities lived in segregated areas around the city.
This partnership with the community was in line with Raffles's vision of a thriving colony largely self-regulated by local social structures, with the British masters administrating it via indirect rule. The large influx of migrants from China, however, began to test this system when the hands-off approach by the British allowed Secret societies in Singapore to thrive. Although originally formed with legal intentions of community bonding and the provision of assistance to fellow migrants, these societies gradually became influential, competitive, and increasingly engaged in illegal activities including monetary extortion from the masses, the operation of gambling dens, and the smuggling of illegal goods on top of more legal commercial operations to meet their financial needs.
Competition gradually heated up between large rival factions, such as that between the larger Ghee Hin Kongsi, the Ghee Hock Kongsi and the Han San Kongsi. Murders, mass riots, kidnappings, arson and other serious crimes became commonplace in the four decades after the colony's founding. Faced with violent acts of crime which may involve thousands, such as the Funeral riots in 1846 involving 9000 members from the Ghee Hin and Ghee Hock secret societies, the police force was woefully incapable of bringing the situation under control, and often had to call in the army for assistance. The escalating number of serious crimes prompted the need for stronger legislation to deter would-be criminals. Singapore's first executions were thus held in the wake of the first criminal session in June 1828, when a Chinese and Indian were found guilty and convicted for murder.
Headed by Europeans and predominantly staffed by Malay and Indian officers, the force had little Chinese representation as the military and policing professionals were traditionally shunned by the Chinese community, which therefore impaired policing efforts amongst the large Chinese populace. In 1843, the force consisted of a sitting magistrate doubling as a superintendent, three European constables and an assistant native constable, fourteen officers and 110 policemen. With a total strength of no more than 150 men, the force was compelled to avoid direct intervention in these mass acts of violence, or risk almost total annihilation.
A repeat of this scenario occurred in 1851, when lingering displeasure against Roman Catholic ethnic Chinese erupted into major rioting leaving over 500 Chinese dead. The army was called in again, although it involved having to induct Indian convicts into military service almost overnight. In 1854, twelve consecutive days of violence sparked by a dispute between the Hokkiens and Teochews disrupted trade. This particular incident led to the formation of the military's Singapore Rifle Corps on 8 July 1854, the earliest predecessor of the Singapore Armed Forces' People's Defence Force today.
Criminal violence was not merely in the domain of the ethnic Chinese, however. Rivalries between Malay princes and communities also often result in acts of violence, which prompted the passing of Singapore's first arms law in March 1823 restricting the right to bear arms to twenty-four of the Malay Sultan's followers. Nearly two centuries later, these anti-arms laws continue to be strictly enforced, resulting in a society relatively free from firearms-related criminal offences.
[edit]References
This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (December 2007)
"In the Service of the Nation", John Drysdale, Federal Publications, 1985 ISBN 9971-4-0703-5
"Phoenix: the story of the Home Team ", Felix Soh, Times Editions, 2003 ISBN 981-232-637-5
"Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries", Peer M. Akbur, Singapore Police Force, 2002 ISBN 981-04-7024-X
[hide]v · d · eSingapore Police Force
Awards and decorations · Establishments and installations · History · Uniforms
Headquarters
Ministry of Home Affairs · Commissioner of Police · Deputy Commissioner of Police
Departments
Administration and Finance · Commercial Affairs · Criminal Investigation · Manpower · Operations · Planning and Organisation · Police Custodial · Police Intelligence · Police Logistics · Police National Service · Police Technology · Public Affairs · Security Industry Regulatory · Service Development and Inspectorate · Volunteer Special Constabulary · Training Command
Line units
Airport Police Division · Ang Mo Kio Police Division · Bedok Police Division · Central Police Division · Clementi Police Division · Gurkha Contingent · Jurong Police Division · Police Coast Guard · Public Transport Security Command · Security Command · Special Operations Command (Crisis Negotiation Unit · Police K-9 Unit · Police National Service Full-time Light Strike Force · Police National Service Key Installation Protection Unit · Police Tactical Unit · Special Tactics and Rescue) · Tanglin Police Division · Traffic Police
Establishments
Home Team Academy · Mount Vernon Camp · Neighbourhood Police Centre · Neighbourhood Police Post · New Phoenix Park · Old Hill Street Police Station · Police Cantonment Complex · Queensway Base
Defunct
Old Police Academy · Geylang Police Division · Toa Payoh Police Division
Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation · Crimewatch · Fast Response Car · Fast Response Vehicle · National Police Cadet Corps · Police Life · Officers killed in the line of duty
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Categories: Singapore Police Force | History of Singapore | Law enforcement history
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This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page.
It needs additional references or sources for verification. Tagged since December 2007.
It may contain original research or unverifiable claims. Tagged since December 2007.
Its tone or style may not reflect the formal tone used on Wikipedia. Tagged since December 2007.
It is written like a personal reflection or essay and may require cleanup. Tagged since December 2007.
The History of the Singapore Police Force is a long one, and in many ways, has paralleled the astronomical economic growth of the country the force is tasked to protect. From a staff of eleven men based in a simple attap hut, the force has grown to over 36,000 men and women, basing their operations from thirty-two Neighbourhood Police Centres, sixty Neighbourhood Police Posts, and various other land and marine establishments spread across the country.
[edit]Early years
The Singapore Police Force has a heritage almost as old as that of modern Singapore, having been formed in 1819 with a skeleton force of 11 men under the command of Francis James Bernard, son-in-law of William Farquhar. With no background nor knowledge on policing, Bernard had to work from scratch, as well as occasionally turning to Farquhar for help. In addition, he held multiple roles as magistrate, chief jailer, harbour master, marine storekeeper, as well as personal assistants to Farquhar.
Despite these constraints, Bernard managed to establish the force by recruiting a jemadar (Asian sergeant), eight peons (patrolmen), a jailer, and a Malay writer, kept in operation by a monthly budget of $300. It is likely that some of these men were recruited from amongst the Indian sepoys brought to the settlement by its founder, Sir Stamford Raffles. Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide range of roles, and required the help of headmen amongst the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the streets, all the more possible as the communities lived in segregated areas around the city.
This partnership with the community was in line with Raffles's vision of a thriving colony largely self-regulated by local social structures, with the British masters administrating it via indirect rule. The large influx of migrants from China, however, began to test this system when the hands-off approach by the British allowed Secret societies in Singapore to thrive. Although originally formed with legal intentions of community bonding and the provision of assistance to fellow migrants, these societies gradually became influential, competitive, and increasingly engaged in illegal activities including monetary extortion from the masses, the operation of gambling dens, and the smuggling of illegal goods on top of more legal commercial operations to meet their financial needs.
Competition gradually heated up between large rival factions, such as that between the larger Ghee Hin Kongsi, the Ghee Hock Kongsi and the Han San Kongsi. Murders, mass riots, kidnappings, arson and other serious crimes became commonplace in the four decades after the colony's founding. Faced with violent acts of crime which may involve thousands, such as the Funeral riots in 1846 involving 9000 members from the Ghee Hin and Ghee Hock secret societies, the police force was woefully incapable of bringing the situation under control, and often had to call in the army for assistance. The escalating number of serious crimes prompted the need for stronger legislation to deter would-be criminals. Singapore's first executions were thus held in the wake of the first criminal session in June 1828, when a Chinese and Indian were found guilty and convicted for murder.
Headed by Europeans and predominantly staffed by Malay and Indian officers, the force had little Chinese representation as the military and policing professionals were traditionally shunned by the Chinese community, which therefore impaired policing efforts amongst the large Chinese populace. In 1843, the force consisted of a sitting magistrate doubling as a superintendent, three European constables and an assistant native constable, fourteen officers and 110 policemen. With a total strength of no more than 150 men, the force was compelled to avoid direct intervention in these mass acts of violence, or risk almost total annihilation.
A repeat of this scenario occurred in 1851, when lingering displeasure against Roman Catholic ethnic Chinese erupted into major rioting leaving over 500 Chinese dead. The army was called in again, although it involved having to induct Indian convicts into military service almost overnight. In 1854, twelve consecutive days of violence sparked by a dispute between the Hokkiens and Teochews disrupted trade. This particular incident led to the formation of the military's Singapore Rifle Corps on 8 July 1854, the earliest predecessor of the Singapore Armed Forces' People's Defence Force today.
Criminal violence was not merely in the domain of the ethnic Chinese, however. Rivalries between Malay princes and communities also often result in acts of violence, which prompted the passing of Singapore's first arms law in March 1823 restricting the right to bear arms to twenty-four of the Malay Sultan's followers. Nearly two centuries later, these anti-arms laws continue to be strictly enforced, resulting in a society relatively free from firearms-related criminal offences.
[edit]References
This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (December 2007)
"In the Service of the Nation", John Drysdale, Federal Publications, 1985 ISBN 9971-4-0703-5
"Phoenix: the story of the Home Team ", Felix Soh, Times Editions, 2003 ISBN 981-232-637-5
"Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries", Peer M. Akbur, Singapore Police Force, 2002 ISBN 981-04-7024-X
[hide]v · d · eSingapore Police Force
Awards and decorations · Establishments and installations · History · Uniforms
Headquarters
Ministry of Home Affairs · Commissioner of Police · Deputy Commissioner of Police
Departments
Administration and Finance · Commercial Affairs · Criminal Investigation · Manpower · Operations · Planning and Organisation · Police Custodial · Police Intelligence · Police Logistics · Police National Service · Police Technology · Public Affairs · Security Industry Regulatory · Service Development and Inspectorate · Volunteer Special Constabulary · Training Command
Line units
Airport Police Division · Ang Mo Kio Police Division · Bedok Police Division · Central Police Division · Clementi Police Division · Gurkha Contingent · Jurong Police Division · Police Coast Guard · Public Transport Security Command · Security Command · Special Operations Command (Crisis Negotiation Unit · Police K-9 Unit · Police National Service Full-time Light Strike Force · Police National Service Key Installation Protection Unit · Police Tactical Unit · Special Tactics and Rescue) · Tanglin Police Division · Traffic Police
Establishments
Home Team Academy · Mount Vernon Camp · Neighbourhood Police Centre · Neighbourhood Police Post · New Phoenix Park · Old Hill Street Police Station · Police Cantonment Complex · Queensway Base
Defunct
Old Police Academy · Geylang Police Division · Toa Payoh Police Division
Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation · Crimewatch · Fast Response Car · Fast Response Vehicle · National Police Cadet Corps · Police Life · Officers killed in the line of duty
View page ratings
Rate this page
What's this?
Trustworthy
Objective
Complete
Well-written
I am highly knowledgeable about this topic (optional)
Submit ratings
Categories: Singapore Police Force | History of Singapore | Law enforcement history
Log in / create accountArticleDiscussionReadEditView history
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