Malaysia steps up security to combat terror threats

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has beefed up security nationwide following the spate of terror attacks this week in Britain, Indonesia, and the Philippines, a senior law-enforcement official said on Friday (May 26).

Bukit Aman Special Branch director Mohamad Fuzi Harun said measures are also being put in place to prevent terror attacks during the South-east Asia (Sea) Games and National Day celebrations, both of which will be held in August.

“Both events are still some time away, but the police have already beefed up operations to collect intelligence,” he told The Star.

“Recent attacks in Manchester and Jakarta, as well as the situation in the Philippines are very worrying,” he said, adding that the police, especially its counter-terrorism division, are working hard to prevent similar incidents from occurring on Malaysian soil.

“We are looking at all possible angles, including lone wolf attacks,” Mr Mohamad Fuzi said.

“Terror threats must not be taken lightly. We must remain alert.”

Malaysian authorities are also working with international law-enforcement organisations like the Interpol to prevent foreign extremists from entering Malaysia, he added.

Mr Imran Ja’afar, the Sea Games deputy organising chairman and Olympic Council of Malaysia president, said the organisers of the bi-annual regional sporting tournament has taken note of the worrying trend of attacks by extremists.

“We have a committee looking at security and it is headed by the Inspector-General of Police (Khalid Abu Bakar) himself,” he said.

“Of course, there is a need to be concerned... these terror attacks are a worrying trend and are so close to home. We will stand advised by the police as they are the experts but on our end, we will scrutinise the list of athletes, officials, journalists... everyone involved.”

Meanwhile, Malaysian media have cited intelligence sources as confirming that two Malaysians – Abdurahman Asmawi from Kelantan and Kamsa Yahya from Kedah - were among the 13 militants killed on Friday in the Philippine city of Marawi.

Malaysian deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed reports that two Malaysian militants were killed in clashes with the Philippine security forces.

He said he had been informed of their identities and background but will leave it to the police to release further information.

"Bukit Aman will release the intelligence information," national news agency Bernama quoted him as saying in using the Malay name for the federal police headquarters.

The sources also said another Malaysian, former Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Mahmud Ahmad, is also believed to be working with Abu Sayyaf and Islamic State (IS) militants in Marawi.

The sources did not say if there are other Malaysians in the besieged Philippine city.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law across the southern region of Mindanao on Tuesday (May 23), hours after gunmen rampaged through Marawi in response to a raid on one of their safe houses.

Authorities said ending the crisis is proving extremely hard because the militants are moving nimbly through homes, had planted bombs in the streets, and were holding hostages.

They said militants have also occupied higher ground in the city, enabling them to slow down or stop assaults from the security forces.

Malaysia itself has been on a heightened security alert since gunmen linked to IS launched multiple attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighbouring Indonesia, in January last year. Malaysian authorities have arrested hundreds of people over the past few years for suspected links to militant groups.

Since 2013, more than 260 militants have been put behind bars.

To date, 11 Malaysians had been deported from Turkey for attempting to sneak into Syria to join IS. AGENCIES