Malaysia today condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack on Istanbul's Ataturk airport yesterday that resulted in 36 dead and close to 150 injured.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, expressing shock at the news of the attack, extended his "deepest condolences" to the people of Turkey, especially to the families and victims of "this senseless attack on innocent lives".

"Malaysia stands firm and ready to unite with all countries in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.

"I strongly urge Muslim nations to unite and increase cooperation, especially in condemning and combating the acts of terror by those who blaspheme the name of Islam," he said in a post on his Facebook account.

Wire agencies reported quoting Turkey's officials as saying that three suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up in the main international airport in Istanbul.

- Bernama