Source from:http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_482903.html
original article:
Fertilisers regulated because of national security
WE REFER to Ms Grace Lin's Forum Online letter on Jan 18, 'Is it illegal to bring fertilisers into Singapore?' The importation of fertiliser is regulated in Singapore. This is because many types of fertilisers contain nitrates, which are oxidisers and can be used as ingredients to make explosives.
One common explosive ingredient found in a fertiliser is ammonium nitrate, which is considered an explosive precursor if it is of a certain composition. The use and movement of such explosive precursors are monitored and regulated by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) under the Arms and Explosives Act.
In addition, the importation of organic fertiliser made from materials of plant or animal origin is regulated under the Animals and Birds Act and the Control of Plants Act. An import permit is required from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) in order to bring in organic fertilisers.
Travellers may refer to the SPF website at www.spf.gov.sg or the AVA website at www.ava.gov.sg for more information.
As the border security agency, it is the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) role to ensure the security of Singapore's borders against the entry of undesirable persons, goods and conveyances through our land, air and sea checkpoints. Regulating the entry of items of security concern is crucial to Singapore's safety and security.
In the current security environment, precaution must be taken to ensure that such items, including fertilisers, are brought into Singapore with authorisation and for legitimate use.
We seek Ms Lin's understanding and cooperation in keeping Singapore a safe and secure home for everyone.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
After reading this article, I really agree with the author and Singapore government's opinion that the fertilisers should not be brought into the island. As we all know, Singapore is an nonagricultural country, which means there is no need for this nation to use fertilisers. In addition, fertilisers contain some chemical substances may cause explode. For the security issue, it is a proper decision to keep fertilisers away from the public. However, there are also some doubts in my mind. Nowadays, many things is forbidden by government, people is getting less freedom. Does the development of technology limit our freedom?
By Iris
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I was attracted by the title. To my regular way of thinking, that fertilisers may be regulated because they do harm to human's health, but this article says that government regulate it because of the national security. No matter for what intention, the government is doing good for the Singaporeans, as the article says the government regulate the fertilisers because they contain nitrates and may cause explosions, and I think it is necessary to take this action for precautions. By the way, after I did some search on the internet, I think one thing you may misunderstand is that Singapore is not a nonagricultural country and Singapore's agriculture accounts for 0.2 percent of GDP.