Feather in the cap for police

CM acknowledges arrest of three terrorism suspects in Serian is a breach of Sarawak’s security, calls for vigilance

BETONG: The alleged activities of the three terrorism suspects arrested in Serian on Feb 2 were very detrimental to Sarawak’s security, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

When asked whether Sarawak’s security had been breached by the activities, Abang Johari said in a way it had been.

“But we are also monitoring the situation as well,” he told a press conference yesterday.

He called on Sarawakians to do their part to be more aware of security issues.

“What I want the people to do is to be more cautious and be prepared. We must be wary of foreigners suddenly opening up restaurants in our midst even if they are wearing the white ‘ Haji’ cap. It is a matter of perception,” Abang Johari said, referring to the Egyptian man who was arrested along with a Malaysian man and woman.

He also praised the police for their apt and fast response.

“We must congratulate the PDRM for their efforts and intelligence, which had allowed them to identify, zero in, and arrest those involved in such activities,” he said.

The Special Branch’s CounterTerrorism Division arrested

We must be wary of foreigners suddenly opening up restaurants in our midst even if they are wearing the white ‘Haji’ cap. Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister

the trio during an operation carried out in Serian.

On Sunday, inspector- general of police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said five other Egyptians and a Tunisian were also arrested between Feb 2 and Feb 9 in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The foreigners are believed to be fighters belonging to the Al- Shariah Al-Tunisia terror group, which is part of the alQaeda terror network operating in North Africa.

The IGP said investigations revealed that foreign terrorist fighters have been trying to make Malaysia a safe haven – a transit point and logistics hub – by sneaking into the country through various means.

He added the presence of foreign terrorists in Malaysia should be taken seriously, especially following the defeat of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, as their presence could also lead to Malaysia becoming a ‘launch pad’ for terror attacks in the region.