The government today unveiled plans to beef up security for foreign diplomats here following a string of attacks and threats to embassies this year.

Deputy Internal Security minister Noh Omar said a 1,000-strong special security force would be deployed next month to protect diplomats and ensure round-the-clock patrols at foreign missions.

"At least 1,000 officers will be deployed at official residences, foreign embassies and high commissions in the country. They will also become personal bodyguards to foreign dignitaries," Omar told Bernama news agency.

The squad would also provide 24-hour patrols to strengthen the present system in which mobile units were stationed at "sensitive" missions such as that of the United States, he said.

The move to protect foreign embassies came after threats were sent by letter to the Japanese and Thai embassies in late April, less than a month after the Australian and Burmese embassies were attacked.

Own security in place

A Burmese diplomat was wounded when a group of enraged refugees set fire to the building on April 7 ( photo ), while on March 30 a small explosive device was thrown at the Australian High Commission from a speeding car, causing no injuries or damage.

Local media reported that the letter to the Japanese embassy demanded that it pull its troops out of Iraq. The embassy declined to confirm this, while admitting that it had tightened security because of "the general situation".

Malaysia has had no major terrorist attacks on its own soil, but has detained scores of alleged Muslim militants accused of membership in regional groups such as the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah.

Most Western embassies here have already put their own tight security systems in place. - AFP