03/21/2019 Malaysia (International Christian Concern) – Following the terrorist attack on two mosques that killed 50 in New Zealand last week, Muslim-majority Malaysia has stepped up security for churches and temples around the country.
On March 19, local police said that they have increased surveillance at churches and temples in Malaysia given the possibility of retaliatory attacks on non-Muslim places of worship.
According to state media Bernama, national police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said, “Immediately after the shooting [in New Zealand], I instructed all police chiefs to inform their ground officers to be on high alert and to monitor churches and temples.” He continued, “Action has been taken. Don’t worry, we are always on high alert.”
These measures come at a time as Malaysian Christians observe Lent and prepare themselves in celebration of Easter in a month.
In recent years, Malaysia has increasingly become a hub for foreign terrorists to devise their plots to plan an attack in a third country. Given the defeat of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, now foreign fighter elements are retreating to Malaysia, using the country as a safe haven, transit and logistical hub.
Earlier this month, Malaysian police has arrested seven foreign terror suspects: six Egyptians and one Tunisian. Some are linked to international terrorist groups. Kuala Lumpur remains to be on guard in order to prevent any possible attacks against civilians.
For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
