The police have enhanced security measures at all public places in Penang as a precaution against the threat from Islamic State (IS) militants, said Penang police chief Abdul Ghafar Rajab.

He said the police had identified a number of places and were conducting constant surveillance there.

The police were best prepared to foil any attempt by IS to stage a terror attack in the state, he said.

“We are ready to face any possibility and will not stop (our surveillance) until the threat is over,” he said at an Aidiladha celebration at the northeast district in George Town today.

Deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim had said previously that the police had stepped up nationwide alert to thwart any attempt by IS militants to disrupt the Malaysia Day celebrations on Sept 16.

He had said that the police were not ruling out the terror threat following the arrest in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Pahang of three suspected IS militants who had intended to launch attacks on Aug 30, the eve of National Day.

Abdul Ghafar urged the public to inform the police of any suspicious activity they believed posed a threat to national security.

He also said that the police would extend the remand of the South African national who was arrested on Sept 3 at the Penang International Airport with 60 capsules of cocaine valued at RM267,300 in his stomach.

“We will ask the court to extend our remand for another seven days to obtain additional information from him as it is believed he has links to drug operations in this country,” he said.

The investigation papers had been completed and would be handed over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, he added.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952 which provides for the death sentence upon conviction.

- Bernama