After nearly a year of system integration, deployment, testing and training, the countrywide hazmat vehicle tracking system is set to play a prominent role in Singapore’s expanded homeland security program.

Under a contract awarded to Astrata Singapore, more than 700 vehicles have been fitted with the tracking device.

Hazmat-carrying vehicles entering the country from Malaysia must also be fitted with a portable tracking device, which is attached via magnets to the roof of the vehicle. More than 200 of these Rapid Deployment Units (RDU), which were specifically designed for SCDF, are now in use.

The Singapore governments’ new regulations require more than 2,000 petro-chemical and pharmaceutical companies importing, transporting and storing large quantities of flammable materials to obtain SCDF licences.

Vehicles can travel only along 60 approved routes away from highly populated areas at specific times, to reduce the impact of any possible disaster. If a vehicle deviates from its path or makes an unregulated stop, the Hazmat Transport Vehicle Tracking System will trigger an alarm, mobilising emergency forces. It will also alert authorities if the device has been tampered with