KUALA LUMPUR: The current terrorism threat level in the country is under control, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said that while there are public concerns about potential terrorist attacks, there are no definitive indicators and the focus is more on 'lone wolf' attacks.
"This current level marks an improvement from the 'high probability' level recorded between 2014 and 2019, indicating a reduced risk of attacks occurring at any time," he said in a parliamentary written reply to a question from Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Sabri was inquiring about the status of the cases involving a trespassing incident at Istana Negara as well as death threats made against the country's political leaders, and of the plans in place to curb the spread of extremism in Malaysia.
Saifuddin said the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) saw a positive shift for Malaysia, moving to 81 from 76 in the previous year and 68th spot two years prior.
Malaysia also currently ranks 10th in the Global Peace Index 2024, compared to 19th last year.
Meanwhile, on the Istana Negara trespassing incident, Saifuddin said police had conducted investigations based on the report received.
"The investigation paper was opened under Section 447/511 of the Penal Code and Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
"Both suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced."
On the death threats to political leaders, Saifuddin said; "Yang Berhormat Jerai did not state specifically which political leaders. The ministry is focusing its efforts towards fighting and eradicating elements of extremism through various measures.
"Among them include legislative action with Malaysia having enforced the provisions of the law to combat terrorism, namely the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota), Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) and the Special Measures Against Terrorism in Foreign Countries 2015 (SMATA).
"Police, through preventive measures, are actively carrying out intelligence and surveillance operations in an effort to detect and thwart any planned or attempted attacks by terrorist groups in this country."
Saifuddin said the country's border control will continue to be strengthened and increased to prevent the entry of foreign terrorists who try to make Malaysia a transit country or safe haven.