Rise in Security Expenditure and Impact on Cost of Living in Singapore

Parliamentary Question by Mr Gan Thiam Poh:

To ask the Minister for Finance (a) what has been the average cost of security expenditure per Singaporean compared to other major cities; and (b) whether the rise in security spending will have a direct impact on the cost of living in Singapore.

Parliamentary Reply by Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat:

1. Singapore is a city state and our security spending has to cover both national defence and homeland security. So it would not be appropriate to compare our security expenditure with that of other major cities.  

2. We ensure prudent use of our security budget for cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Our security agencies also work together to share intelligence, develop joint operational commands and conduct joint exercises, for optimisation of resources.

3. We do not expect the increase in Government spending in security to have a direct impact on the cost of living for Singaporeans, as security spending is not part of the typical consumer basket of goods and services that households consume. More importantly, the resources allocated to security assure Singaporeans of a safe and secure home to live and raise our families in.