Police are ready to face any threats that may arise on Malaysia Day this Sept 16, inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar gave his assurance to the people today.

"Throughout the whole country, we will step up our preparedness to face any threat, whether from the Islamic State or anyone who wants to threaten the Malaysia Day celebrations," Khalid said.

Speaking at a press conference in the Bukit Aman Mosque, Khalid said all police will be on standby that day.

Previously, Khalid's deputy Noor Rashid Abdullah said that an IS attack on Malaysia Day was a possibility.

Police had earlier foiled possible attacks by three suspected militants on the eve of Merdeka Day.

The trio had allegedly been planning attacks on entertainment outlets, the Hindu temple at Batu Caves as well as on police stations, using grenades or firearms.

In August, Special Branch counter-terrorism assistant director Ayob Khan Maidin Pitchay said intelligence reports revealed that terrorists in Malaysia could still be in possession of eight grenades.

Sabah kidnappings

Meanwhile, on the recent Sabah kidnappings, Khalid said police will do all they can to ensure the safety of the three Filipino victims.

"We don't condone any criminal activities, particularly kidnapping, in our waters. We will do whatever we can to ensure their safety."

Last Saturday, three Filipino crew members with valid IMM13 documents and census letters were abducted from a fishing vessel in the waters off Pulau Pom Pom, Semporna.

On a separate matter, Khalid said police are still tracking down four men who attacked the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia Ibrahim Sahib Ansar.

He said additional security has been assigned to the envoy.

Ibrahim Sahib was attacked by a mob at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sept 4.

The assault is believed to be linked to protests against the presence of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was in the country to attend the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

Two men have already been charged over the incident.