Mindef to identify high-risk areas to curb potential attacks
The Defence Ministry (Mindef) will identify specific locations - including in Sabah, which could be used as potential point of attacks by militants.
Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the measure was taken following the bombings which took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday.
"It is an effort to strengthen national security and public order, so that such incidents do not happen in Malaysia.
"This is because our closest threat is in Sabah, where we need to be on high alert against any attack by foreign elements, and it should be dealt with seriously," he told reporters after attending the Mindef's 2016 Roadmap programme in Genting Highlands today.
"I consider the bombing incident in Jakarta yesterday as something serious and not to be taken lightly, because the Daesh group has never taken any action in our region before this," he said.
"The incident in Jakarta proves our fear that I have consistently mentioned so far. We will strengthen controls with the cooperation of all the security agencies," he said.
In addition, Hishammuddin said he was also in contact with the Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu for the latest updates pertaining the incident which took place in the latter's country.
"I will also be flying to Saudi Arabia with Pak Ryamizard in the near future to discuss an agenda to view how the country (Saudi Arabia) addressed the Daesh violence, and to learn from their experience," he said.
He said one of the initiatives taken to prevent such an incident from occurring was to work closely with the police, military intelligence and the Special Branch.
Seven people were confirmed dead in the bomb attack outside the Sarinah Plaza in Jakarta yesterday, while 13 others were reported to be severely injured, including five policemen.
- Bernama
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