Terrorists may plan attacks in Kuala Lumpur: Australia

SINGAPORE - Malaysia police said that Kuala Lumpur is secure despite a terror alert issued by the Australian government, The Star reported.

Police chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa said: "We have not received any intelligence to indicate a terror threat."

"We are on constant vigilance and security has been increased over the past few months. The city is safe from any terror threat so far," he added.

The Australian government had issued a warning on its website today (Feb 21), stating that "terrorists may be planning attacks in and around Kuala Lumpur".

"There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and other major cities. Attacks could be indiscriminate and may target Western interests or locations frequented by Westerners," it added.

The statement also highlighted the danger of visiting the coastal region of Sabah, especially in the towns of Sandakan and Tawau which are near the Sulu archipelago in the southern Philippines.

Terrorist groups in the southern Philippines, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf have claimed responsiblity for numerous kidnapping cases.

While they mostly target international tourists, Malaysians have not been let off too - with the recent beheading of kidnap hostage Mr Bernard Then.

The government said: "Australians should avoid all travel to the coastal resorts of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities owing to the continuing high threat of kidnapping, and as such you should reconsider your need to travel to the area."

debwong@sph.com.sg