'Playing with fire': Suspicious parcels with meat sent to several mosques

Police step up visits as Shanmugam says targeting a place of worship is unacceptable

- Andrew Wong Correspondent

A suspicious parcel, which led to the evacuation of Al-Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North on Sept 24, contained meat, said Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam.

And it was not the only mosque affected.

He stressed that targeting a place of worship is completely unacceptable, and Singapore has zero tolerance for such acts.

Speaking to the media at the mosque on Sept 25, he said the authorities were still confirming the type of meat that was sent, but at first sight, it appeared to be pork.

He said that regardless of the parcel’s contents, the act was inflammatory, and investigations were ongoing.

Mr Shanmugam said: “Whatever the motive, this is playing with fire. We are treating this matter very seriously. We will deal firmly with anyone found responsible.”

Mr Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, said similar incidents have happened very recently at other mosques around Singapore.