"This provides Singapore with the capability to exchange real-time earthquake data with seismic networks operated by countries in the region such as Malaysia, Indonesia and even Australia," the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement.

"The access to more sensors located over a much wider area allows us to enhance the accuracy and speed of detecting earthquakes in the region which may cause a tsunami."

NEA chairman Simon Tay said Singapore's geographic location and the relatively shallow waters in the Strait of Malacca make it "highly unlikely" the island republic could be struck by an earthquake-triggered tsunami.

"We should nevertheless be prepared for such a hazard," Tay said.

"This early warning system is a step in the right direction as we work closely with our ASEAN neighbours in sharing seismic data, and play a small but vital role in preventing a recurrence of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami disaster."

Singapore's national tsunami early warning system being developed by the meteorological sciences division will become part of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System.

The regional early warning system was proposed after the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that devastated Indonesia's Aceh province and other coastal communities bordering the Indian Ocean, killing more than 220,000 people.

It was triggered by a 9.3-magnitude earthquake off the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

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