Embassies fear terror attack in Kuala Lumpur shopping centre

US and Australian authorities in Malaysia have warned of a potential terrorist attack in a Kuala Lumpur shopping area famous for its street vendors.

The US embassy issued an advisory saying it had credible threat information and urged citizens to avoid Alor Street, in a shopping belt in the city centre, and its immediate surrounding areas.

It says terrorist organisations had in the past planned attacks to coincide with significant dates, but gave no details.

The Australian embassy issued a similar alert to its citizens.

A police spokesman said a statement would be issued later.

Malaysia has arrested more than 100 supporters of the Islamic State (IS) group in the past two years, some of whom were allegedly plotting attacks in the country.
- Press Association