Singaporeans have been told to brace themselves for the possibility of a terrorist attack on the republic, according to a report.

In his Parliamentary security briefing yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan said the public should be prepared in all aspects, including psychologically.

They should not only be prepared on how to act before the attack but also after, he added.

"How we act after a terrorist attack will be a big test for our strength and courage as citizens," he said, citing the example of how the British reacted to the recent attack on their capital.

"The response of the people in Britain - the victims and their families, the emergency services, media, government and politicians - stood together and refused to bow to the threat of terrorism," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

The July 7 bombings in London killed about 50 people and left more than 700 injured. Authorities later claimed that the attacks were carried out by suicide bombers.

No specific threat

Tan said Singaporeans must also display the same qualities if they find themselves in a similar situation.

The deputy premier added that the nation's Internal Security Department does not have any specific intelligence report on an impending terrorist attack but "we must remember that Jemaah Islamiah had previously planned to attack MRT (transit system) stations here".

Jemaah Islamiah is allegedly linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terror network and is said to have members in Indonesia and Malaysia.

"Following such an attack, a backlash against the Muslim community can divide the nation and frustrate our efforts over the centuries to instill racial and religious harmony," said Tan.

He added that all Singaporeans must be sensitive in this matter and stressed that terrorism should not be associated with any particular faith.

"Let me say this clearly, terrorism has nothing to do with the true teachings of Islam," he said.

The threat of terrorism has always loomed above the republic due to its close ties with Israel and the United States.