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Penang police step up security over IS threat ahead of Malaysia Day

GEORGETOWN — The Malaysian police have increased security measures at all public places in Penang following warnings by the authorities earlier this month that Islamic State (IS) militants may attempt another strike on the anniversary of Malaysia’s founding on Sept 16.

Malaysian Special Task Force police personnel demonstrates a terrorist scenario during the 59th National Day celebrations at the Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016. Photo: AP

Malaysian Special Task Force police personnel demonstrates a terrorist scenario during the 59th National Day celebrations at the Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016. Photo: AP

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GEORGETOWN — The Malaysian police have increased security measures at all public places in Penang following warnings by the authorities earlier this month that Islamic State (IS) militants may attempt another strike on the anniversary of Malaysia’s founding on Sept 16.

Penang Police Chief Abdul Ghafar Rajab said the police have identified various places in the state that may be targeted by IS sympathisers and they are conducting constant surveillance to foil any potential attacks.

“We are ready to face any possibility and will not stop (our surveillance) until the threat is over,” he was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama yesterday.

Mr Abdul Ghafar did not indicate if police have received intelligence that Penang is being specifically targeted by IS, but urged the public to remain vigilant, saying that Malaysians should approach the police if they come across any suspicious activities which may pose a threat to national security.

Earlier this month, Malaysia’s Deputy Police Chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim said heightened security measures in place during the Aug 31 National Day celebrations are being maintained in the run-up to Malaysia Day — celebrating the federation’s formation on Sept 16, 1963.

This is after the Malaysian police thwarted planned attacks in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of the country’s national day celebrations by arresting three IS supporters in a swoop between Aug 27 and 29.

They were allegedly targeting an entertainment centre, a Hindu temple in Batu Caves, police stations and police personnel.

Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed had told TODAY earlier this month that Malaysia was stepping up monitoring and intelligence gathering to prevent IS lone-wolf terrorists from coming together to stage bigger attacks in the country.

To date, the authorities have foiled 13 terror attacks, with seven being ordered from Syria.

Malaysia has been on high alert since IS-linked militants carried out an armed attack in Jakarta on Jan 14.

The country has been identified by IS militants as a high-priority target.

Despite success in foiling several potential lone-wolf attacks, IS’ supporters managed to stage a grenade attack on a nightclub in Selangor on June 28, which injured eight people.

That was the first attack by IS in Malaysia, which marked a breakthrough by the terror group after numerous plots were previously thwarted by the authorities.

After the grenade attack, the police arrested nine people believed to have links to IS. AGENCIES

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