Cops and owner rubbish terror attack claims

SUBANG JAYA: A Malaysian man claiming to be an IS militant has claimed responsibility for the grenade attack on an entertainment outlet in Puching but this has been pooh-poohed by both the police and the owner of the outlet.

The man who goes by the name of Abu Hamzah Al-Fateh of Facebook, boasted that the attack was an answer to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s challenge to Islamic State (IS) last week.

Another posting of his also claimed the explosion was an attack by two militants against a club full of infidels or kafir harbi while warning Muslims to avoid such places so that “they will not be targets”.

Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Abd Rahim Jaafar said that while they were aware of the postings, their investigation was leaning more towards revenge as well as gang and business rivalry.

DCP Abdul Rahim said all signs pointed to a gang-related incident.

“The restaurant was about to close when it was attacked. All the victims were patrons.

“We believe the attackers threw the bomb at the restaurant from the roadside,” he said, adding that police would scrutinise closed circuit television footage from the area.

DCP Abdul Rahim added that police believe the grenade was purchased via the black market.

Movida owner Roger Hew also posted on Facebook that the attack was very likely a personal attack on the couple who were celebrating their anniversary at the outlet.

“An eyewitness saw two men throw an explosive material at said couple.

“This is an isolated case and not in any way an indication of an attack with religion, belief or race as its motif,” he said.

In an official statement, Movida said they were also conducting a thorough check on the affected premises and reviewing footage recorded by all surveillance cameras within the area.