SINGAPORE, Aug 26: Singapore said on Friday that it took a reported terrorist threat to Asian financial capitals seriously even though it had no information of any imminent danger.

“In the light of a global terrorist threat and our own experience in the Jemaah Islamiyah episode, our security agencies have taken measures over the last few years to strengthen security at our borders, key infrastructure and iconic buildings,” a home affairs ministry spokesman told AFP.

The Financial Times quoted French anti-terrorist supremo Jean-Louis Bruguiere as saying cities like Tokyo, Singapore or Sydney could be attacked by Al Qaeda to undermine investor confidence in the region.

“We have elements of information that make us think that countries in this region, especially Japan, could have been targeted” by Al Qaeda, he was quoted as saying.

More than 30 Muslim Singaporeans suspected of belonging to alleged Al Qaeda affiliate Jemaah Islamiyah are being held under the Internal Security Act.

The home ministry said the police, the civil defence force and the internal security department had worked with building managements and owners, including those in the financial sector, to boost security.

“Hence we have been and will do all that we can to prevent it and if it should occur, to ensure that the social cohesion of our multi-ethnic society is preserved,” it added.—AFP