[UPDATED] Foreign intelligence behind two national security incidents, says IGP

New Straits Times

5 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has identified foreign intelligence agencies as being behind at least two national security incidents, Malaysia's top police officer said.
The two incidents include the kidnapping of a Palestinian national and the arrest of an Israeli in possession of six firearms.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed this in a statement today.
"There have been incidents investigated that are suspected to have been orchestrated by foreign intelligence agencies.
"These include a case involving the abduction of a Palestinian as well as the case involving the possession of six firearms believed to be linked to the same group," he said, adding that police are constantly monitoring foreign threats that could destabilise the nation and undermine sovereignty, particularly those involving espionage or covert operations.
He said the police remain ready in their efforts to prevent and address various external threats that have the potential to jeopardise national security, including agendas carried out by foreign intelligence agencies.
Khalid also advised Palestinians residing in Malaysia to maintain a low profile to avoid being targeted and to report any suspicious activities immediately.
"To bolster national security, we also work closely with the Immigration Department, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), and Interpol, while also collaborating with domestic and international security agencies.
"We are committed to ensuring the safety of Malaysia and the well-being of its people is always protected," he said.
The New Straits Times reported in 2022 that Israeli intelligence agents had operated on Malaysian soil again in their worldwide campaign against Hamas members.
However, they adapted their tactics to leave no trace of their involvement. They are believed to have recruited local assets to help the Zionist regime hunt down Hamas members in Malaysia.
In a development that had escaped media attention, Mossad agents engaged Malaysians to track down and abduct two Palestinian men they believed to be assets of the Hamas Al-Qassam Brigade.
In a brazen snatch-and-grab operation in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the team intercepted the two Palestinian high-value targets just after 10pm on Sept 28, when the duo, both computer programming experts, were about to enter their vehicle parked near Jalan Yap Kwan Seng after having dinner at a nearby mall.
A white vehicle drove up to them. Four men exited and went for the first Palestinian who was in the driver's seat. They beat him as they dragged him into a waiting vehicle, while telling him that their "boss wanted to have a word with him."
The other Palestinian tried to help his friend but was warned to stay away.
When it dawned on him that this could be the work of Israeli agents, he ran to a nearby hotel to seek help from the security personnel stationed there, as the lead vehicle sped off with his friend inside. A shadow car followed them.
The second Palestinian lodged a report at the Dang Wangi police station about 40 minutes after the abduction.
The 14 people accused of the kidnapping were granted bail in November last year pending their trial in July next year and face up to 40 years in prison if found guilty.
Meanwhile, Israeli national Avitan Shalom was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court after pleading guilty to possessing 200 rounds of ammunition and six firearms last year.