St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah was evacuated on Sunday, December 21, after a suspicious item was discovered on the premises. Police were alerted to the incident at 620 Upper Bukit Timah at 7:10 am and immediately responded.
Police Response and Evacuation
Authorities secured the area and initiated evacuation procedures. The Singapore Armed Forces’ Chemical Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group was activated to support ongoing police operations. Members of the public were advised to avoid the location.
As of 9:00 am, police officers were directing traffic away from the church, and no one was permitted to enter. Church volunteers assisted in cancelling mass services and redirecting congregants to St Mary’s of the Angels Church in Bukit Batok. Several police and Singapore Civil Defence Force vehicles, including plainclothes officers, arrived at the church at 9:17 am.
Details of the Incident
According to a churchgoer, the incident began around 7:20 am, shortly before the scheduled Chinese mass. A message shared among church members indicated that a suspicious, unattended bag was found at the rear of the church, prompting the cordoning off of the area.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash and Mayor of North West district Alex Yam both issued statements on Facebook, urging calm and community unity. Yam noted that the St Joseph’s community has previously demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
Recent Similar Incidents
This incident follows a similar event in September, when the Al-Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North was evacuated due to a suspicious parcel containing meat that appeared to be pork. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam described that act as inflammatory and indicated increased police visits to mosques. Shanmugam also referenced the 2024 stabbing at St Joseph’s Church, cautioning against excessive security measures that could transform places of worship into fortresses.
Police are requesting anyone with information to contact them at 1800-255-0000 or submit details online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be treated confidentially.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the evacuation of St Joseph’s Church?
The church was evacuated after a suspicious item, specifically an unattended bag, was found on the premises.
What actions did the authorities take?
Police secured the area, evacuated the church, and activated the Singapore Armed Forces’ Chemical Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group to support operations.
Has this church experienced security incidents before?
In November 2024, Father Christopher Lee was stabbed by a man during evening mass at St Joseph’s Church. The police ruled out terrorism in that case.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what the nature of the suspicious item is and what impact this incident may have on security protocols at places of worship in Singapore.