Three temples, including Batu Caves, on alert after foiled IS threat

PETALING JAYA: Three temples in Kuala Lumpur have tightened security following the arrest of four suspects linked to an extremist religious group said to be linked to the Islamic State (IS).

The three temples are the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniyar Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam temple on Jalan Tun H.S Lee and Courthill Sri Ganesha Temple on Jalan Pudu Ulu.

In a statement on Thursday (May 16), Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam Kuala Lumpur (SMMTDKL), which runs the three historic temple, said they were wary after it was reported that one of the reasons cited for the planned attack was to avenge the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.

"We view the arrests seriously, and their intentions which had been planned, which was to target places of worship as well as entertainment outlets in a supposedly act of revenge on the unfortunate death of the fireman in the Seafield temple incident last year," SMMTDKL said.

"There are currently three security guards stationed at the three temples and measures shall be taken to tighten security safeguards," it said.

It added that among the steps taken were random checks on bags and monitoring of visitors.

SMMTDKL also urged devotees to keep a watchful eye for suspicious characters.

"We are consistently looking at steps to be taken to elevate security and safety measures at all three temples," it said, adding that the Batu Caves temple alone drew an average of 3,000 tourists a day.