US citizens in Malaysia advised to exercise vigilance following IS threat

http://www.nst.com.my/

KUALA LUMPUR: United States citizens in Malaysia have been advised to be on alert over their security. The US Embassy in Malaysia today posted a security reminder on the embassy’s webpage, following the confirmation by the Malaysian authorities of the links between the Islamic State and an explosion at the Movida nightclub in Puchong on June 28.

“Malaysian authorities have confirmed links between the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the June 28 explosion at a nightclub in the Puchong area of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” it wrote. It said that, in view of this and the recent incidents in Bangladesh, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, US citizens were reminded of the need for caution and awareness of personal security.

Despite admitting that there is no specific threat from terrorist organisations towards US citizens currently in Malaysia, the embassy nonetheless advised its citizens to maintain vigilance while travelling, as there is a risk of them being targeted by extremist groups regardless of their whereabouts.

“At present, the US Embassy is not aware of any specific terrorist threat to U.S. citizens in Malaysia. US citizens should remain vigilant at all times while traveling; US citizens overseas may be targeted by extremist groups regardless of the country they are in,” it stated.

The security reminder advised Americans to review their personal security plans, to remain aware of their surroundings, including in local events, to monitor local news stations for updates, to maintain a high level of vigilance, to take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security, and to follow instructions from local authorities. For more information, the embassy specified a number of websites for its citizens to log on to in the event of any emergencies.

These links can be accessed at the U.S. embassy official website at https://my.usembassy.gov/security_message_070616/. Alternatively, the U.S. embassy can be contacted through the number (030) 2168-4979 or 4997 during normal business hours or through (03) 2168-5000, for after-hour emergencies.