A police forensic team carrying out investigation at the entertainment outlet following the explosion, which Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed to be a terrorist attack carried out by suspects with links to Daesh. — Bernama photo
British citizens have been warned by the country’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of a high threat from terrorism while travelling in Malaysia.
In an advisory posted on its website yesterday (July 15), the FCO said that attacks in Malaysia could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
“On 28 June 2016, there was a grenade attack at a bar in the town of Puchong, injuring 8 people. Malaysian authorities have confirmed this was a terrorist attack by individuals with links to Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL),” the advisory read.
The FCO also emphasised that all but essential travel to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including (but not limited to) Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking was advised against.
It went on to explain that there was a threat to foreigners of kidnapping and criminality on the eastern coast of Sabah and in particular the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.
“There has been an increase in kidnapping by groups operating in the southern Philippines, some of whom have the ability to conduct kidnaps on the coast of Sabah.
“You should take great care in the town of Sandakan and along the coastal area south to Tawau, and in and around Lahad Datu and Semporna.
“In May 2015, 2 Malaysian nationals were abducted in Sandakan, one of whom was subsequently murdered. Monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities,” it explained, providing helpful links for further information on the subject.
According to the FCO, there are currently around 401,000 British nationals who visit Malaysia each year.