IGP: Police taking Israel's threat against Palestinians worldwide seriously, will tighten security

KUALA LUMPUR: Police will beef up security following Israel's threat against leaders of the Palestinian struggle worldwide, including those in Malaysia.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said they viewed the threat seriously.

"We advise the public to remain calm.

"We will take necessary steps to increase all aspects of security to ensure that safety and public order are maintained," he said in a statement on Monday (May 17).

He said the police force was always prepared and would monitor the situation from time to time to avoid untoward incidents.

In a statement on Sunday (May 16), Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said his ministry took note of the existence of organisations that support the Palestinian people’s struggle in Malaysia.

He was quoted as saying the police and other security agencies have increased security in the country.

Hamzah added that the government reaffirmed its stand to continue supporting the aspirations and struggles of Palestinians.

A tweet on Saturday had said a news channel reported that the Israeli Defence Force had been given the green light to target all Hamas operatives at all levels, both inside Gaza and beyond.

The tweet also said there were obvious implications for Iran, Turkey, Qatar and Malaysia, among others.

Jonathan Schanzer, who posted the tweet, is the senior vice-president of research for the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, a United States-based institution focusing on national security and foreign policy.