Suspicious package triggers evacuation at Singapore’s Al-Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North
SINGAPORE, Sept 25 — Authorities evacuated the Al-Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North on Tuesday after a suspicious parcel was delivered to its premises, prompting a precautionary response.
The Straits Times reported that the incident occurred at 2 Serangoon North Avenue 2 around 5.20pm, leading police to cordon off the area.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was called at 5.45pm, and its hazardous materials specialists conducted checks at the mosque. No dangerous substances were detected.
One person was assessed by SCDF personnel for breathlessness and taken to Sengkang General Hospital for further evaluation.
According to Malay-language news outlet Berita Harian, a mosque employee felt dizzy and short of breath after opening the envelope.
Another woman, in her 40s and also believed to be an employee, was seen being carried out into an ambulance wearing an oxygen mask.
In a Facebook post around 9pm, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) confirmed awareness of the suspicious parcel and said it was cooperating with police as investigations continue.
Aljunied GRC MP Kenneth Tiong later thanked authorities and mosque staff for their swift action, expressing relief that everyone remained safe.
Chan Hui Yuh, adviser to Aljunied grassroots organisations, said in a 10.20pm Facebook post that she was monitoring the situation closely and urged residents to stay clear of the area.
“This act, if intentional, is unacceptable in multi-religious Singapore,” she added.
Completed in May 1999, the Al-Istiqamah Mosque can accommodate up to 3,300 worshippers, according to Muis.
