A police forensic team carrying out investigation at the entertainment outlet following the explosion, believed to be from a hand grenade. — Bernama photo
Citizens of the United States of America residing or visiting Malaysia have been told to exercise caution by the country’s embassy following the attacks carried out by Islamic State (IS) on an entertainment outlet in Puchong, Kuala Lumpur.
The security message, posted on the US Embassy in Malaysia’s website, came after Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that the grenade explosion at an entertainment centre in Puchong on June 28 was the work of IS militants – the first such incident in the country.
“Malaysian authorities have confirmed links between the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the June 28 explosion at a nightclub in the Puchong area of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“In view of this and the recent incidents in Bangladesh, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security. In the past, terrorist organizations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar,” the security message read.
“At present, the U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific terrorist threat to U.S. citizens in Malaysia. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant at all times while traveling; U.S. citizens overseas may be targeted by extremist groups regardless of the country they are in.”
The message went on to give several pointers to its citizens in order to secure their safety, including advising them to review their personal security plans; remain aware of their surroundings, including local events; and to monitor local news stations for updates.
At least eight people were injured, one of them seriously, in an explosion caused by hand grenades at the entertainment outlet.
Khalid said the suspects behind the attack, aged 19 and 52, had taken instructions from Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi, a member of the Daesh Malaysia terrorist group in Syria.