(AFP) The Fire and Rescue Department has handled 42 anthrax scares since bioterrorism fears surfaced in the United States, an official said today.

No cases have so far proved positive for the anthrax bacteria, which has killed three people in the US.

The department's director-general Jaafar Sidek Tambi said, however, that talks were underway with the government for new and additional equipment for the 'Hazmat' team which handles hazardous materials.

"Not all departments are ready or have the facilities to face this situation," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

"We have limited facilities and Hazmat is trained to face chemical and gas related disasters and not biological (threats)."

Jaafar said every complaint of suspected anthrax was viewed seriously by the department.

Targets

The United States embassy, the Australian High Commission and the police headquarters in the capital Kuala Lumpur have all been targets of suspicious letters.

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also the home affairs minister, said he would convene a meeting with the National Security Council over the issue.

"Everybody is scared of it, it's more than a joke, this is very, very serious," Abdullah said.