KUALA LUMPUR: The terrorism threat travel advisory issued by the Japanese Embassy to its citizens in Malaysia was a routine notice, says Bukit Aman Special Branch director Comm Datuk Zamri Yahya.

       He said there had not been any additional information on a possible terrorist threat in the country.

       “The warning issued by the Japanese Embassy to its citizens in Malaysia on the possibility of a terrorist attack in South-East Asia was a travel advisory.

       “These advisory notices are usually issued by an embassy or high commission for its citizens who are in foreign countries.

       “The warnings are issued based on a threat assessment done by the country (issuing the warning). In this context, there is a possibility of a terrorist threat in the region (South-East Asia),” he said when contacted yesterday.

       Comm Zamri said so far, only the Japanese Embassy had issued such a travel advisory, which was a routine measure in reminding Japanese citizens in the region to be careful, in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001 attack on the United States.

       “The advisory might also be connected to the latest development in Afghanistan after the Taliban rose to power,” he said, adding that the Special Branch, through its Counter Terrorism Unit, would continue to keep an eye out for any development and take appropriate action where needed.

       Earlier, the Japanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur confirmed that a warning had been issued to its citizens in Malaysia over possible terrorist threats in South-East Asia.

       The advisory was issued to all of its citizens in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, urging them to stay away from religious facilities and other crowded areas.

       Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said police have not received any information on any type of security threat.

       “We hope the public remains calm and not speculate on the matter as the police are always monitoring national security,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said that it had taken note of the security advisory and communicated it to the relevant Malaysian authorities.

       “Our security agencies, in particular the police, are currently assessing the situation very carefully,” it said in a statement.

       The Foreign Ministry also gave its assurance that Malaysia continues to strengthen cooperation in the security field, including in counter-terrorism efforts, with its 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 Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo to be in close communication with the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Japan,” it added.