Singapore rolls out mass alert system for fires, terror threats

Singapore is set to launch a new mass emergency alert system that can push warnings directly to mobile phones within seconds, even during network congestion or when devices are on silent mode.

Photo: SCDF

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said SG Alert will begin rolling out in May 2026, starting with Singtel users, as authorities move to strengthen the city-state’s emergency communications network.

The new system is designed to rapidly warn the public during major fires, chemical incidents, terror threats and other life-threatening situations that require immediate action.

Unlike conventional SMS alerts, SG Alert uses cell broadcast technology, allowing messages to be delivered simultaneously to large numbers of users without relying on mobile data or internet access. The alerts can also override “Do Not Disturb” settings, silent mode and ongoing phone calls.

Officials said the system will first be activated for Singtel users from May, before expanding to StarHub customers by the end of 2026 and M1 and SIMBA users by mid-2027.

To test the system, SCDF plans to conduct an islandwide trial for Singtel subscribers on May 10 at 12pm.

“By strengthening our ability to reach the public swiftly and reliably, we enhance community preparedness and Singapore’s overall emergency response capability,” Senior Assistant Commissioner Alan Chow, senior director of SCDF’s operations department, said.

SG Alert messages will appear as pop-up notifications with a distinctive alert tone and vibration pattern lasting up to 10 seconds. Users will see the header “SG Alert”, although some older devices may display the message under the label “Presidential Alert” due to compatibility limitations.

The alerts will include key information such as a brief description of the emergency, the affected location, protective measures to take and links to official sources for further details.

Authorities said the system does not collect personal information and does not require users to download an app or register an account. It will work on devices running Apple’s iOS 26.4 or later, and Android 12 or above with the latest Google Play system updates.

SG Alert can be activated islandwide or targeted at specific neighbourhoods, depending on the scale of the incident. Foreign visitors connected to Singapore mobile networks, including those using data-only eSIMs, will also receive the alerts if they are within affected areas.

The system will issue messages in English as well as the user’s preferred language setting among Singapore’s four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.

SCDF said the new platform complements existing emergency channels such as the Public Warning System sirens, television and radio broadcasts, social media, the SGSecure app and the myResponder platform.

The rollout comes as governments around the world increasingly adopt cell broadcast technology to speed up emergency communications. Japan uses its J-Alert network for earthquakes and missile warnings, while South Korea and Australia have also developed similar systems for public safety threats.