Safety in Singapore: A First-World City Shielded from Crime

As someone who has lived in Singapore for over 15 years and recently revisited after spending time in Toronto, I can confidently say that this city stands far above the crowd when it comes to safety and quality of life. Toronto, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse population, cannot match the level of security and cleanliness that Singapore offers. A few days ago, I witnessed pre-teen children happily walking home from school using public transport—an effortless and safe task that would never be witnessed in Toronto, much less New York City (NYC).

When you compare Singapore to these urban centers, it becomes abundantly clear why Singapore is rated as one of the safest countries globally. Back in 2022, Singapore consistently ranked among the least crime-prone nations. The city-state places a strong emphasis on law and order, with severe penalties for offenses that would be considered minor in other countries. Nevertheless, even with this strict approach to law enforcement, the types of common crimes experienced in Singapore are limited. These typically include pickpocketing, scams, and theft, with violent crimes being exceedingly rare.

The level of strictness in Singapore can be quite astounding, as illustrated by a real-life example. A wrongdoer could face up to ten lashes with a cane for an offense such as dropping a gum wrapper on the street. The consequences are immediate; you face instant deportation without any chance to check out of a hotel or even retrieve your luggage. No country can match the efficiency and decisiveness of Singapore's law enforcement in such instances.

Some might argue that these measures are overly harsh, but the result is a safe and clean environment. For instance, a city like Tokyo in Japan often gets comparisons with Singapore based on its cleanliness and order. Let me share some of my personal experiences living here to illustrate the point.

Personal Experiences of Safety in Singapore

I have a daily routine that commences early in the morning. I wake up at 4:30 AM and catch the first available bus, arriving at my nearest apartment bus-stop precisely by 5:45 AM. At this hour, I often see people jogging even in the dark, including many women, who seem to have no fear of assault or robbery. This level of comfort and security exists even at this early hour in a country known for its efficiency and safety.

An Evening Experience in Geylang

Visited an area like Geylang, a neighborhood well-known for its nightlife and entertainment, in the past. Recently, I returned to this area and made my way there using the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). I took a leisurely stroll around and observed some fascinating scenes. Coffee shops were bustling with elderly people and young ladies, and market stalls had simple setups with no-frills displays of various products. Despite my interest in what they were selling, I did not feel any sense of danger. A significant factor in this was the abundance of surveillance cameras that provide a sense of security.

Welcome to this 'Little Red Dot,' often affectionately referred to as Singapore. The level of safety, cleanliness, and order ensures that residents and visitors alike can enjoy a high standard of living and peace of mind. If you're looking for a first-world city that is shielded from crime and offers a high quality of life, then Singapore is undoubtedly the place to be.

Conclusion

Singapore's low crime rate and stringent laws contribute to its reputation as one of the safest countries globally. Its comparison to other first-world cities like Tokyo highlights how efficient and secure this city-state can be. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, safety is a consistent and reassuring factor in day-to-day life in Singapore. Experience it for yourself and see why it is often praised for being 100 times better than many other major cities.