Langkawi is now equipped with an early tsunami warning system set up in several locations placed by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia).

METMalaysia director-general Datuk Che Gayah Ismail said today these included two tidal stations, a strong motion station, a coastal camera system and five units of tsunami sirens.

Speaking at the launch of the Table Top Exercise Tsunami (TTX-Langkawi) programme here, she said Langkawi was one of the places exposed to the threat of tsunami and the equipment would spread information on its occurrence within eight minutes of detection.

"Efforts are still being carried out to ensure that the early tsunami warning system in our country functions well always," she said in the text of her speech which was read out by her deputy Dr Mohd Rosaidi Che Abas.

The TTX-Langkawi programme is jointly organised by METMalaysia and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to improve the level of preparedness for the tsunami.