Malaysia ups security after DFAT warning

Malaysia ups security after DFAT warning
By Anne Majumdar


Malaysian security forces have stepped up patrols in the capital following an Australian foreign ministry warning of a possible terrorist attack, a senior police official says.

“We have intensified joint security patrols in public areas and areas frequented by tourists,” Kuala Lumpur’s police chief Tajuddin Mohamad Isa said on Monday.

Police were also closely co-ordinating with security teams in hotels and shopping malls, Tajuddin said.

“We are urging people to immediately alert the police if they see or find anything suspicious,” he said.

On Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Australians in Malaysia to be vigilant as terrorists may be planning attacks in Kuala Lumpur.

“Attacks could be indiscriminate and may target Western interests or locations frequented by Westerners,” it said. “You should be particularly vigilant at this time.”

Malaysia has been on high alert since the deadly bomb attacks in neighbouring Indonesia last month.

Malaysia’s interior department said 137 Malaysians are fighting alongside Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq.

Muslim-majority Malaysia has not been subjected to terrorist attacks perpetrated by IS militants.

Police counter-terrorism operatives have arrested more than 100 Malaysians suspected of supporting Islamist militants.

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