KL beefs up security after terror attacks in several countries

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has beefed up its security following the spate of terror attacks in several countries recently, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Sunday (June 25).

“Following the recent attacks in Marawi in southern Philippines, Bangkok and Mecca, we have tightened security (to prevent such incidents from taking place here in Malaysia). We do not want any untoward incidents to occur here,” he said. “God willing, the safety (of Malaysians) is assured.”

Philippine government troops are currently battling Islamic State (IS)-linked militants in Marawi, who seized the town five weeks ago; while in Bangkok, a man confessed to planting a bomb inside an army-run hospital last month which wounded 21 people.

In Mecca, six foreign pilgrims were wounded on Saturday when a suicide bomber blew himself up near the Grand Mosque.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Sunday the public has an important role to play to guard the country against extremist elements.

“I would like to say that the best form of control against militant beliefs and extremism comes from the people themselves,” The Star quoted Mr Najib as saying.

He warned people against being influenced by extremist ideologies, saying that it could undermine national security and prosperity.

“If the people are not influenced by militant and extremist ideologies, we can celebrate festivals without any fear or worry. This is what we must safeguard forever,” national news agency Bernama quoted Mr Najib as saying.

The leaders’ remarks came after the country’s counter-terrorism police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay confirmed over the weekend that IS militants from Indonesia are seeking his death.

Initial investigations revealed that the threat was circulated on social media since last week.

The message singled out Mr Ayob as the one responsible for arresting IS militants in Malaysia, and urges for him to be “finished off”.

“I have received many death threats over the years, but this is the first time Indonesian militants have issued a clarion call to fellow militants in Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries to have me killed,” The Star quoted him as saying.

Last year, Mr Ayob received a death threat from Syria-based IS recruiter Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi because of the former’s involvement in fighting terrorism as well as arresting Muhammad Wanndy’s older brother. Muhammad Wanndy was killed in an attack near Raqqa, Syria, in April.

Mr Ayob believed the latest death threat was circulated due to the IS militants’ “own twisted beliefs” that they would obtain greater blessings by attacking him during the Muslims’ holy month of Ramadan.

Malaysia has been on high alert since gunmen linked to the IS launched multiple attacks in Jakarta in January last year and has arrested hundreds of people over the past few years for suspected links to militant groups.

The alert was further elevated since IS-linked militants overran Marawi in May.

The seizure of Marawi by IS-allied fighters, including some from the region, has alarmed South-east Asian nations, which fear the ultra-radical group — on the back foot in Iraq and Syria — is trying to set up a stronghold in Mindanao that could threaten the region.

Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia agreed on Friday to pool intelligence and tackle militant financing.

The three countries have also launched joint patrols to control militant movements across their archipelagic region. AGENCIES