Malaysia: Police foil alleged terrorist plot September 14

Event

On Friday, September 14, Malaysian national police announced the arrest of five people connected to a terrorist plot targeting the "vice areas" of Malacca. According to police, the suspects, ages 18 to 53, had plotted to detonate smoke bombs in entertainment with the intention of creating panic and causing injuries. The oldest man is involved in a chat group for the terrorist group Ar-Rayah and was accused of financing the operation. The group also planned to conduct a similar attack in Penang.

Context

Malaysia has a moderate threat of terrorism and has experienced attacks in the past, including an Islamic State-linked attack on a nightclub near Kuala Lumpur in 2016 that wounded eight people. Terrorist plots in the country are routinely disrupted, according to security forces. Between March and May 2018, security forces arrested a group of men planning an attack on non-Muslims and police officers.

Advice

Individuals in Malaysia are advised to remain vigilant for militant activity and report any suspicious behavior or activity to the authorities.