KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 ― Militants linked to terror network Islamic State (IS) may attempt another strike on the anniversary of Malaysia’s founding after being foiled from carrying out their planned attacks on August 30, police said.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim said heightened security measures taken for the Merdeka Day celebrations are being maintained in the run-up to Malaysia Day celebrations on September 16, The Star reported today.
The senior policeman disclosed that two odd-job workers in their early 30s suspected of involvement in an attack plot on National Day have been arrested recently, but that more could be involved.
“We also monitored a few individuals who had the potential of creating disturbance to public order,” he was quoted saying.
He gave an assurance that the police are capable of stopping potential threats to public order and security, saying the police are keeping watch over several suspected groups and are taking appropriate action against them.
Police this week said they had thwarted planned attacks in the national capital on the eve of Merdeka Day celebrations on August 31.
Three IS-linked suspected militants aged between 20 and 27 were arrested in Selangor and Pahang between last Saturday and Monday in an operation led by the special counter terrorism team from Bukit Aman.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the Merdeka Eve plot had targeted the Hindu temple in Batu Caves and several entertainment outlets in Kuala Lumpur.
