NSC meet to take a closer look at terror threats

PUTRAJAYA: The National Security Council (NSC) is convening a high-level meeting today to determine more measures that need to be put in place to further protect the people and the country from terror threats.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called for the meeting at his office and it is understood that the meeting will, among others, examine closely the country’s security situation.

It also learnt that the council will assess the country’s preparedness in facing attacks by extremists and terror groups after last week’s bombings in Jakarta which claimed eight lives, including three civilians.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, officials from the NSC, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and senior officials from security and enforcement-related agencies have been called to the gathering.

The Prime Minister said he would be chairing the meeting to look at all measures that are in place and to discuss recent developments.

“The National Security Council, which I chair, views threats by religious extremists very seriously. We have agreed to implement certain measures to prevent and to foil any attempt by terrorists that threatens the nation’s peace and harmony,” he said in a statement.

Najib said the security agencies had been directed to beef up efforts to tackle any possibility of violence and terror following the series of assaults in several cities around the world.

The Government, he said, had taken initiatives to protect the country from such threats, including introducing the National Security Council Act 2015 which would allow effective action to be taken.

“I believe that every peace-loving individual who appreciates the harmony that we enjoy will be with the Government in fighting violence. We must be united in tackling terror threats,” he added.

He also called on the people not to speculate or spread information that could cause public concern over the issue of security in the country.

Bukit Aman is on the highest security alert following several terrorist-related incidents recently, including the Paris-style attack by extremists said to be linked to Islamic State in Jakarta last Thursday.