Singapore amends hijacking, aviation security laws amid high terror threat

With the threat of terrorism on civil aviation still palpable more than 20 years after the 9/11 attacks, Singapore is amending its laws to bring them in line with two international treaties that were crafted in the wake of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks in the United States to deter similar incidents. On Monday, Parliament passed the Hijacking of Aircraft and Protection of Aircraft and International Airports (Amendment) Bill. The new law criminalises the use of an aircraft as a weapon, the use of nuclear and biochemical weapons on planes, the transport of such dangerous materials, and cyber attacks on air navigation facilities. Individuals found guilty of these crimes will be jailed for life. The law also allows companies to be made criminally liable. Companies found guilty can be fined up to $1m for these offences.<br/>