Malaysia boosts security after foiled IS attack on Singapore
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has ungraded its security measures to prevent terrorists from gaining access to heavy weapons such as machine guns and explosives, said Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
The Deputy Home Minister said this in response to the arrest of six suspected militants with links to the Islamic State (IS) group in Indonesia on Friday.
Reuters reported that the men were arrested by Indonesian police while allegedly plotting a rocket attack on Singapore.
It was reported that Singapore was stepping up security in response to the plan being hatched on nearby Batam Island, located about 15km from the republic.
Describing the planned method of attack as “sophisticated,” Nur Jazlan said it was important for Malaysia to prevent terrorists from procuring heavy weapons in the country.
“At the moment, the public need not worry about potential attacks as the level of threat in the country is still low.
“Terrorists have not been able to procure any destructive weapons yet.
“We are always on the guard that they won’t be able to obtain such weapons,” Nur Jazlan told reporters after attending the KL Sogo’s business partners appreciation banquet here on Friday night.
He said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would be organising a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Malaysia on Tuesday at the Home Ministry to assuage concerns regarding security in the country.
“The Deputy Prime Minister will be briefing the foreign ambassadors on the situation in Malaysia. We want to give them assurance that we have the situation under control.
“There is no need to worry as we are taking all the necessary safety precautions,” he added.
Nur Jazlan also urged the public to take seriously any sightings of suspicious looking packages or baggage in crowded areas such as transportation hubs, hotels and airports.
“Please report any sightings of suspicious packages to the authorities.
“Those who are found guilty for intentionally leaving packages or baggage in public areas - whatever they may contain - can be charged under the Police Act,” he said.
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