U.S. Embassy In Kuala Lumpur Issues Travel Advisory For Jalan Alor On Possible Terrorist Threat; Asks US Citizens To Avoid The Street And Immediate Surrounding Areas
The United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur warned US citizens in Malaysia over potential terrorist threat in the famous food street in the country, Jalan Alor. The embassy wrote on its website Thursday that the advisory was based on reliable information, as reported by The Star on the same day.
"For all other locations, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reminds US citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security," the embassy wrote on its website. "In the past, terrorist organizations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar."
US citizens were advised to be observant while travelling "as they may be targeted by extremist groups regardless of the country they are in," the embassy reminded.
"Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities."
After the travel advisory issued by the US Embassy, the Australian government on the same day issued a statement to warn Australians for "a possible terrorist threat" in Jalan Alor.
"Due to a possible terrorism threat, Australians are advised to avoid Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Alor (Alor Street) and the immediate surrounding areas on Thursday 24 September," the Australian government advised, as noted by Channel News Asia on Thursday. "This is based on a US Government threat warning issued on 24 September."
On the same day, three alleged terrorists were arrested in the capital city of Malaysia. Police authorities said they are "investigating the involvement of the suspects in a supposed terror threat in Jalan Alor," as per Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.
He added that one of the suspected terrorists had traveled to Yemen several times and arrived in Malaysia just recently.
"We are on top of things. We will never let any attack occur in Malaysia."
Noor Rashid added, "The travel advisories issued by a few foreign embassies are designed to ensure the safety of their citizens. We are in the midst of verifying whether the trio had planned to launch any attack in Malaysia."