(Recast) Malaysia heightens security ahead of ASEAN Summit amid unconfirmed terrorist threats

Malaysian Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar said Thursday that Malaysia has intensified its security arrangements for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, and the reports of imminent terrorist threats in the country have yet to be confirmed.

Khalid said in a statement that following recent terrorist attacks in France, Egypt, Lebanon and the Philippines, police has beefed up security in Malaysia ahead of the ASEAN and related summits in Kuala Lumpur.

Security checks at all entry and exit points to Malaysia have been stepped up, he said, adding that military personnel will also work with the police to ensure maximum security during the ASEAN Summit.

A local media outlet has reported that an internal police circular disclosed presence of suicide bombers in Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.

In this regard, Khalid said the reports of imminent terrorist threats in the country have yet to be confirmed.

"However, security forces are taking all possible precautions and there is no room for complacency. There is no greater priority than the safety of the Malaysian people and all our guests," he added.

A local news portal reported that Khalid has confirmed the validity of the circular but regretted the leakage of the information which he described as sensitive.

ASEAN heads of state and government, as well as world leaders and foreign dignitaries, will come to Malaysia to attend the 27th ASEAN Summit, Related Summits and strategic meetings in the coming days. Enditem