Cops dismiss Dutch airlines advisory about likely Isis attacks

Police have dismissed a Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) advisory about possible terror attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) in Malaysia.

In the advisory, dated January 26, KLM crew and staff were advised to stay away from populated areas such as markets and locations frequented by foreigners.

"Avoid crowded touristic areas, especially Berjaya Square and all areas where foreigners tend to congregate," the advisory read.

"Stay away from public transport such as buses and train stations. Do not make comments about the Islamic State."

According to the risk information analysis by the KLM security services, the advisory was issued based on information received from “Malay authorities”.

"The Malay authorities received credible information about intentions of executing terror attacks by Islamic State militants."

However, police are questioning exactly what “Malay authorities” KLM obtained their information from about the alleged intentions of Isis terror attacks.

"There has been no intelligence received about possible terror attacks, especially in the areas highlighted in the advisory," a senior police officer said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officer told The Malaysian Insider that no police intelligence had been issued to KLM regarding possible Isis activities in Malaysia.

"What information from the Malay authorities has the advisory been based upon?" the officer said.

The officer said Malaysian authorities had been actively tackling the issue of Malaysians sympathising with or supporting Isis.

Sixty-seven Malaysians were known to have gone to Syria and Iraq, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was recently reported as saying.

Another 120 people are in police custody for suspected Isis links or for being sympathisers, he said.

The Malaysians fighting alongside Isis forces in the Middle East were influenced to take up the struggle through social media, intelligence sources had said previously.

Five have been killed in fighting there.

Some, like former Kedah PAS Youth information chief Lotfi Ariffin who was killed in Syria, had not only posted about their activities with the militants on Facebook, but had also issued a call to action as well. – January 30, 2015.