Penang police step up security measures over IS threat

GEORGE TOWN: Police have enhanced security measures at all public places in Penang as a precaution against the threat of Islamic State (IS) militants.

State police chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Rajab (pic) said authorities had identified a number of places and were conducting constant surveillance there.

He added that police were prepared to foil any attempt by IS to stage a terror attack in the state.

“We are ready to face any possibility and will not stop (our surveillance) until the threat is over,” he said at a Hari Raya Haji event here on Monday.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim previously said that police had stepped up security nationwide 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 a terror threat following the arrests in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Pahang of three suspected militants who had intended to launch attacks on Aug 30, the eve of National Day.

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

On another matter, he said that police would extend the remand of a 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 have 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 Drugs Act 1952 which provides for the death sentence upon conviction. – Bernama