Singapore has stepped up security vigilance following the foiled bomb attempts in London and Glasgow.

Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar said that security authorities have increased the frequency and coverage of airport patrols and enhanced traffic roadblocks at the airport terminals. Airport security personnel are also paying special attention to vehicular access areas and driveways.

Prof Jayakumar, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, disclosed this in a written reply to a question from MP Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) in Parliament yesterday.

Madam Ho had asked for an update on Singapore's security vigilance in the wake of the attempted terrorist incidents in UK, as well as the arrest of an Indian doctor in Brisbane who has been linked to the bomb plots.

Two car bombs primed to explode in London's theatre and nightclub district were discovered early on June 29. The following day a jeep crashed into the terminal building at Glasgow airport and burst into flames. Two people in Britain have also been charged in relation to the attacks. All but one of the eight original suspects are medics from the Middle East or India.

In his reply, Prof Jayakumar said that Singapore's security agencies remain prepared and vigilant in the face of the ever present terrorism threat. Comprehensive plans to deter and counter a terrorist attack have been put in place since 2001 and the various agencies are working closely together to constantly update and improve these plans.

"The recent terrorist events in Glasgow and London remind us that the threat of terrorism is real. We are in for the long haul and we cannot afford to let our guard down whether it is security of airports, ports, transport system, key installations or other potential targets," said Prof Jayakumar.

"The terrorists are highly adaptive and capable of finding new followers, even among the well-educated. Therefore we must constantly refine our contingency plans, remain vigilant and stand prepared to deal with this threat.

"The Government has undertaken necessary measures to protect Singapore and Singaporeans against the threat of terrorist attack. And it will continue to do so. Nevertheless, the Government?s efforts to deal with the threat of terrorism can only be effective with the full participation of all Singaporeans. Our people must also play their part."

Urging Singaporeans to be ?the eyes and ears? against potential threats, and to react quickly and effectively in the aftermath of a terrorist incident, the Minister said the response of the British people to the attacks serves as a model of public involvement.

"There were reports that some members of the public had reacted quickly and helped to apprehend the perpetrators including the suspect, who was fleeing from the car in flames. The British people also displayed resilience in their determination not to be cowed or intimidated by these terrorists. I think these are aspects that we in Singapore must emulate," he said.

He also called on Singaporeans to be more involved in the nation?s security efforts, so that they can learn about what they need to do in the event of a crisis.

These Exercises also help foster a sense of shared responsibility and togetherness, he said, adding that more such exercises will be conducted to involve more members of the public.