Private colleges on alert after terror threats

KUALA LUMPUR: Several private colleges and universities are on high alert in light of the terror threats allegedly made against them.

The New Straits Times was made to understand that these threats were posted on Facebook “confession” accounts.

Administrators of these accounts had stated that shooting threats and other attack threats were posted on the pages.

Taylor’s University senior security and risk management manager Raventhran Subramaniam said the university’s administration had discovered the anonymous threat and was taking it seriously as the safety of its students and staff was of the utmost importance.

“We contacted the authorities and will cooperate with them.

“We have heightened security on campus and will continue to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of our people and campus,” he told the New Straits Times.

An email was sent to Taylor’s students telling them to use emergency phones in corridors to contact the security control room if they noticed suspicious activity or packages.

“Do not engage with the individual or open the package.”

The NST was informed that Sunway University has lodged a report on the matter.

Sunway Education Group senior executive director Dr Elizabeth Lee said the authorities were monitoring the situation, while Sunway’s security was aware of the situation.

“It has come to our attention that some messages causing unease aimed at a number of educational institutions have been circulated on social media. The group views this with grave concern.

“Please be assured that our students and staff’s safety and security remain our priority wherever possible.

“As always, we encourage our Sunway community to care for each other and maintain awareness of our surroundings at all times and to inform security personnel or staff of suspicious persons or activities.”

It is understood that these threats began circulating several days ago on social media.

Sunway and Taylor’s were among institutions of higher learning that received the threats and have been told to be on high alert by the authorities.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said four members of an Islamic State wolf pack cell were detained over plans to attack non-Muslim places of worship and entertainment outlets and assassinate high-profile personalities.