KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — Local law enforcement said they were now on the “highest” alert and have increased security measures at tourist spots and shopping centres after the deadly Jakarta bomb attacks.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar also announced that extra precautionary steps would be implemented at border areas to prevent terrorists from infiltrating Malaysia.
“Following several terrorist-related incidents that took place around the globe over the last few months, the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) have been stepping up preventive measures and implementing a high degree of alert to pre-empt such atrocities from happening in Malaysia,” Khalid said in a statement.
“Those on our radar as being suspiciously related to terrorist activities will be monitored closely,” he added.
Up to seven explosions and several gunfights rocked the Indonesian capital earlier today, with international newswire AP reporting Jakarta police as saying that seven people, including four attackers, were killed so far.
UK paper The Guardian reported that nine suspected Islamic State terrorists were arrested last December with a purported plan to “do a concert” in Jakarta, but officials reportedly said there is no proof yet associating today’s attack with the militant group.
The Jakarta blasts followed a suicide bombing in Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday that killed 10 people, all of whom were Germans, which officials reportedly blamed on the Islamic State.
