PUTRAJAYA: Security at key entry points such as airports, train stations and ports in Malaysia has been strengthened as a precaution against terrorist attacks, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said Malaysia began tightening security last year when intelligence sources revealed possible attacks in Jalan Alor, which is a popular spot in Kuala Lumpur.
“Airports and train stations are public areas and we always pay close attention to these places.
“We have put in more surveillance equipment and personnel. We will continue to strengthen security at these areas,” he said.
He said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd had refurbished its security system and was on guard.
The Immigration Department was also monitoring the movement of Malaysians fighting for IS (Islamic State) in Syria, he said.
“This has been done not just after the Jakarta attacks, but since last year when we were warned of possible attacks in Jalan Alor. Since then we have taken action and put in all these measures,” he told reporters yesterday after launching a civic awareness programme.
Liow urged the public not to panic.
“Although some areas in the city have been identified as possible targets, Malaysians must stay calm and have confidence in our security forces.
“I would like to thank the police. They have done a lot, including arresting several IS suspects to ensure there is peace and stability in the country,” he said.
He said it had been revealed that there were 50,000 IS sympathisers in the country “and this is of concern”.
Prasarana group chief executive Datuk Azmi Abdul Aziz said company officials were working closely with police to enhance public safety and ensure no disruption to travel.Prasarana’s RapidKL runs city buses, the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT, as well as the KL Monorail.
“We assure the travelling public their safety and that security is being looked into without any compromise,” said Azmi after viewing the first of 14 Bombardier INNOVIA Metro Trains built for the Kelana Jaya LRT line extension.
The four-car train set was assembled in Bombardier’s Kingston plant in Canada.
Installation of the interior, including onboard systems for security and communications, is being completed by a local team at Bombardier Hartasuma consortium’s Westport facility.
Azmi said the company would take delivery of the driverless train on May 20 and subsequently one every month until June next year.
He said public input and demand were considered in the design of the new trains which could carry up to 20% more passengers than the present ones.
Waiting time for trains on the LRT line will not be more than the current 2.8 minutes.
The Kelana Jaya extension, which will see an additional 12 stations up to Putra Heights, will be ready by June 30.
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