Singapore Prepares Biological Agent Safety Law

Singapore is preparing a new law that would impose penalties of up to life in prison for violations of safety rules for biological agents and toxins, United Press International reported today (see GSN, Dec. 10, 2004).

“There has been an increase in the number of institutions working with high-risk biological agents and toxins in Singapore,” said K. Satku, director of medical services at the Ministry of Health.

The proposed Biological Agents and Toxins Act, would impose the greatest penalty — a fine of $600,000 and/or life imprisonment — for possession of a biological agent intended for use in biological warfare, according to UPI. Fines or prison time could also be levied for possessing or moving certain substances without government approval (United Press International/Washington Times, April 12).

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