Terror groups target Bangsar, Bukit Bintang, Hartamas; security at LRT stations tightened

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 18): Terror groups are targeting Bukit Bintang, Hartamas, Bangsar and malls, such as Publika and The Curve, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said yesterday.

He said the authorities were aware of this and enforcement teams under the ministry would work with police to beef up security in these areas.

“The threats are there and we are very well aware of this, so we are on standby for any possible event.

“Among the places they are targeting include KL city, Bukit Bintang, Publika, Solaris, Hartamas, Bangsar and The Curve,” he was reported as saying by the New Sunday Times.

Tengku Adnan also said his ministry would look into engaging with the Defence Ministry to secure popular tourist and leisure hot spots.

He urged the public to come forward if they noticed anything suspicious or if they have information on any terror-linked activities.

He also said the motive of these groups was to destabilise popular tourist countries and create fear, just as they did in Jakarta.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) claimed responsibility for the attack by suicide bombers and gunmen in the heart of Jakarta on Thursday that brought the radical group’s violence to the world’s most populous Muslim nation for the first time.

Meanwhile, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is tightening security at all its facilities following reports of possible militant threats in Kuala Lumpur.

It's managing director Datuk Azmi Abdul Aziz said the group is increasing the presence of auxiliary policemen as part of its efforts to ensure better security.

Speaking at the launch of the new Innovia Metro 300 trains for the Kelana Jaya light rail transit (LRT) line, Azmi said Prasarana also worked with the police on security matters.

"We want the consumers to be able to feel secure when they are using public transport and their safety is our top priority", he said, declining to comment further.

Two days ago, police had arrested a man suspected of having links to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) at the Jelatek station. A weapon and an "Isis document" were also seized from the suspect.

Malaysia had also raised its alert status to the highest level following a terror attack in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. City police, however, have said the federal capital is safe for both locals and tourists and urge them to go about their daily activities.