Malaysia continues to strengthen cooperation in the security field, including in counter-terrorism efforts

by LYDIA NATHAN / Pic by BERNAMA

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Malaysia’s security agencies, particularly the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are assessing the current situation carefully, following the Japanese embassy security advisory to its citizens on possible terror threat in South-East Asia.

Wisma Putra said it has taken note of the security advisory issued by the Japanese embassy and communicated this advisory to the relevant local authorities.

“Our security agencies, in particular PDRM, are currently assessing the situation very carefully. Malaysia continues to strengthen cooperation in the security field, including in counter-terrorism efforts, with our partners globally.

Sharing of intelligence and best practices are important components of this cooperation. In respect of the aforementioned advisory, the ministry has instructed the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo to be in close communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.”

The Japanese embassy in Kuala Lumpur had issued an advisory to all of its citizens in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar of a possible terrorist threat in South-East Asia, and asked its citizens to stay away from religious facilities and other crowded areas.

There are currently about 31,000 Japanese nationals residing in Malaysia.

According to a Bernama report, the advisory was made following the instruction from Tokyo.

“We issued the advisory following an instruction from Tokyo,” the official was quoted as saying without providing further information on the matter.

On a separate matter, Wisma Putra announced that the Malaysian government had contributed 250,000 units of face masks to Iraq.

The ministry said the contribution marked an integral part of the Malaysian government’s continuous effort to work closely with the republic and the international community to fight Covid.

The contribution made through Iraq’s embassy in Kuala Lumpur was funded by the Akaun Amanah Pembelaan Rakyat Iraq, which was established in 2003 under the ministry.

“Malaysia’s contribution to the Republic of Iraq reflects the warm and cordial ties both countries continue to enjoy amid the pandemic.

“Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to continuing our cooperation with the Republic of Iraq for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the ministry added.