Chia Keng Prison was a medium security prison located at Yio Chu Kang Road. It was used to house prisoners who were serving their second stage of detention under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act.
History
Chia Keng Prison, converted from an old army signals station, was opened in July 1976 with a capacity of 300 inmates. Its inmates were mainly secret society members and many of them were involved in international drug trafficking syndicates. Some of these inmates had been detained without trial for between three to six years, or even 12 years. In 1993, the prison was demolished to make way for the development of new HDB flats and many of the inmates were transferred to Tampines Prison located at 61 Lorong Halus.
When interviewed by The Straits Times after the prison was levelled, many residents of HDB flats near Chia Keng Prison spoke fondly about the prison. Many felt safe in the presence of Gurkha guards who stood watch at the prison's watchtowers that were as close as 10 m from their flats. The residents also commented that the prison was quiet except for the monthly grass cutting. In fact, a resident shared that he bought a flat in the area for its unblocked view and a good breeze as the low-rise prison buildings did not obstruct the view and breeze.
Author
Joshua Chia Yeong Jia
References
Singapore Prison Service. (1976). Singapore Prison Service Annual Report - 1976 (p. 8) [Microfilm: NL 18618]. Singapore: Author.
Singapore Prison Service. (1977). Prison Department Annual Report 1977 (p. 6) [Microfilm: NL 18618]. Singapore: Author.
Singapore Prison Service. (1979 & 1980). Annual Reports of the Singapore Prison Department for the years 1979 & 1980 (p. 5) [Microfilm: NL 18618]. Singapore: Author.
Neighbours miss the boys next door now that prison has moved [Electronic Version]. (1993, July 19). The Straits Times
The information in this article is valid as at 2008 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for furthe reading materials on the topic.
History
Chia Keng Prison, converted from an old army signals station, was opened in July 1976 with a capacity of 300 inmates. Its inmates were mainly secret society members and many of them were involved in international drug trafficking syndicates. Some of these inmates had been detained without trial for between three to six years, or even 12 years. In 1993, the prison was demolished to make way for the development of new HDB flats and many of the inmates were transferred to Tampines Prison located at 61 Lorong Halus.
When interviewed by The Straits Times after the prison was levelled, many residents of HDB flats near Chia Keng Prison spoke fondly about the prison. Many felt safe in the presence of Gurkha guards who stood watch at the prison's watchtowers that were as close as 10 m from their flats. The residents also commented that the prison was quiet except for the monthly grass cutting. In fact, a resident shared that he bought a flat in the area for its unblocked view and a good breeze as the low-rise prison buildings did not obstruct the view and breeze.
Author
Joshua Chia Yeong Jia
References
Singapore Prison Service. (1976). Singapore Prison Service Annual Report - 1976 (p. 8) [Microfilm: NL 18618]. Singapore: Author.
Singapore Prison Service. (1977). Prison Department Annual Report 1977 (p. 6) [Microfilm: NL 18618]. Singapore: Author.
Singapore Prison Service. (1979 & 1980). Annual Reports of the Singapore Prison Department for the years 1979 & 1980 (p. 5) [Microfilm: NL 18618]. Singapore: Author.
Neighbours miss the boys next door now that prison has moved [Electronic Version]. (1993, July 19). The Straits Times
The information in this article is valid as at 2008 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for furthe reading materials on the topic.
