KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 – Reports of imminent terrorist threats in Malaysia have yet to be confirmed, Inspector-general of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement here on Thursday (Nov 19). This comes after independent news outlet Malaysiakini reported an internal police memo had been leaked indicating there were as as many as eight suicide bombers in Sabah and ten Kuala Lumpur from the Abu Sayyaf and Islamic State militant groups.
IGP Khalid said following the recent spate of terrorist attacks in France, Egypt, Lebanon and the Philippines, the Royal Malaysia Police have intensified the existing comprehensive security arrangements for the ASEAN and related summits in Kuala Lumpur. He said the security checks at all entry and exit points to Malaysia have been stepped up.
“ASEAN meetings in the Malaysian capital kicked off on Wednesday and will run till Sunday. Furthermore, as announced by the Chief of Defence Force, General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, military personnel will also be working with us as part of a joint operation to ensure maximum security during the ASEAN Summit. There have been reports of imminent terrorist threats in Malaysia,” he said.
“At this point, I would like to underline that they have yet to be confirmed. However, security forces are taking all possible precautions and there is no room for complacency. There is no greater priority than the safety of the Malaysian people and all our guests. Terrorism and violent extremism have no place in Malaysia, and we will not cease to hunt down and deal with anyone who seeks to undermine the peace and stability of our country,” said IG Khalid.
