GENTING HIGHLANDS, Jan 15 — Malaysia is already on high alert for potential terror threats in the aftermath of the Jakarta bombings and shootings, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today.

However, he added that attacks can still happen despite all precautions and pointed to the Paris killings last year as a case in point.

“We are working closely with PDRM, intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies around the world, but despite all these the Paris attack happened so we must look into this seriously to constantly find ways to stop these attacks,” he told a news conference here.

Referring to the attacks in Jakarta yesterday, Hishammuddin said he hoped the attacks were not by the Islamic State (IS) though militants from the global terror group have claimed responsibility.

“IS has not struck countries in the region and I am really hoping the attacks in Jakarta were not from them as it would not show a good sign.

“But if the attacks are proven by the Indonesian authorities to be from them, then it would mean that my worst fears have been realised,” he said.

Hishammuddin pointed that he had constantly called for authorities around the world to not take threats by IS lightly.

“My stand on IS has always been the same as the group is dangerous and cannot be overlooked,” he said.

The minister sought to allay public fears over this latest round of attacks so close to home.

“I wish to stress that we will not compromise on matters related to national security,” he said.

Up to seven explosions and several gunfights rocked the Indonesian capital yesterday, with international newswire AP reporting Jakarta police as saying that seven people, including four attackers killed so far.

Following the attacks, Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar also announced extra precautionary steps to be taken at the country’s borders to prevent infiltration by would-be attackers.

The Jakarta blasts followed a suicide bombing in Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday that killed 10 Germans; officials there blamed IS for the attack.