Travel Security Online
20 Aug 2014
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Malaysia: Alleged bomb plot underscores low but credible risk of terrorism

The authorities on 19 August indicated that 19 suspects arrested between April and June had been planning to bomb discos, pubs and government buildings in the capital Kuala Lumpur and a brewery in Petaling Jaya (Petaling district, Selangor state). Although the suspects were reportedly in the early stages of planning the attacks and did not possess the necessary materials, the security forces had found several items, including military uniforms, an international Islamist terrorist group's flag, weapons and blueprints of government buildings during one of the arrests. Several of the suspects were apprehended while attempting to leave Malaysia to allegedly train with Syrian-Iraqi extremist group Islamic State (IS). The incident underscores the low but credible risk of terrorism.

Travel Briefing

There has been no terrorist attack in Malaysia in more than three decades and the security forces have been highly effective in breaking up extremist cells and disrupting terror plots in their infancy; the security forces have the capability to identify, monitor, and move against suspected militants quickly. Furthermore, the implementation of enhanced security measures in areas where Westerners congregate since the October 2002 terrorist attacks in Bali (Indonesia) has helped mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks in the country.
However, small groups motivated by a radical Islamist ideology, or those sympathetic to their cause, are present in the country. As the statement by the authorities underscores, these groups or individuals maintain the intent to carry out low-level attacks against ‘soft-targets' in urban centres across the country; small arms and explosive materials are accessible and attacks can be orchestrated with very limited resources and preparation. While such incidents would result in damage to property and minimal casualties, members in the vicinity of such incidents would face incidental risks; remain vigilant to your surroundings.

Travel Advice Summary
• Travel to Malaysia can continue.
• There is a low but credible risk of small-scale terrorist attacks by Islamist extremists in Malaysia. Remain vigilant to your surroundings; if you notice any suspicious behaviour or see a suspect package, vacate the area immediately and report the information to the authorities.
• Monitor our travel security alerts on Malaysia for further updates.