Terrorism a serious threat to Malaysia, says Hisham
KUALA LUMPUR: Terrorism is a serious and unavoidable threat in Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
Threats from militants were unheard of in this country and the region not long ago but now, it has become one of the biggest problems in the world, he said, citing threats posed by Islamic State militants in Marawi in the southern Philippines and attacks in Jakarta.
“Today, terrorism is one of the biggest security threats facing any country, including Malaysia,” he said after a two-hour tour of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2018 exhibition and conference and National Security (NATSEC) Asia exhibition at the Malaysian International Exhibition and Commerce Centre yesterday.
Hishammuddin said everyone must play a part in the war against terrorism, and it requires countries to work together, adding that the issue of terrorism will be the main focus of DSA and NATSEC, that he said were ideal platforms for everyone involved to discuss things and find a way to put a stop to terrorism.
Hishammuddin said the exhibition and conference will allow the nations taking part to look at weapons and other equipment they may need to fight terrorism, and would allow participating nations and security experts to share expertise and viewpoints on defence.
He said it was important for terror plots to be stopped as early as possible before it gets out of hand.
DSA will be held until April 19 and over 1,500 companies from 60 countries from the global defence and security sectors are participating in the exhibition, with 360 foreign delegations from 40 countries.