The United States embassy clarified today that it had notified the Malaysian government about its decision and reasons behind the temporary closure since Wednesday.

The embassy was responding to Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar's (photo) remark yesterday that the government was upset because the embassy failed to inform the Foreign Ministry on its intended closure and the reasons behind the move.

"We regret their action as it sends a negative message about our country. If they have a real problem we are prepared to enhance security at any time," the minister was quoted as saying in New York by media reports today.

Syed Hamid is in New York to accompany Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to the United Nations General Assembly.

The minister also said that the government maintains tight security at all foreign missions and embassies and there was no reason for the US to panic and close its embassy.

'Specific, credible threat'

When contacted, US embassy press officer Frank Whitaker said they still have reasons to believe that there was a 'specific and credible threat' to the security of the embassy.

"We are still closed. I can't elaborate on the threat but the message is clear. We are protecting the security of the embassy and the people inside, with more Malaysians than Americans," he said.

"The Malaysian government has been working closely with us. They were informed about the nature of the specific threat," he added.

However, Whitaker refused to comment on whether the closure had sent wrong signals about the actual security situation in Malaysia.

On Tuesday, the embassy issued a short statement that said due to a "specific and credible threat" the premises will be closed the following day the first anniversary of the Sept 11 terror attacks.

The next day, the embassy said the closure will apply until further notice.

Scores of armed personnel from the police general operations force have been stationed within and outside the embassy which is located in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.

Security fears have also forced the closure of the US embassy in Jakarta and its consulate in Surabaya since Wednesday.