Malaysia on terror alert after Jakarta bomb plot foiled

KUALA LUMPUR - Bukit Aman is on alert after Indonesian police foiled a plot by IS-linked terrorists to set off bombs in Jakarta during the New Year celebrations.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police here were constantly on guard, especially with the arrests of several men in Indonesia over the planned suicide bombing.

"We are on alert. We are closely monitoring the situation," he said yesterday.

He was commenting on the arrests of five members of an alleged extremist network in Indonesia and seizure of chemicals, laboratory equipment and a flag inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group.

"Police personnel nationwide are on constant vigilance," said Khalid.

Those arrested included a 31-year-old teacher at an Islamic boarding school in Central Java identified as Asep Urip and his 35-year-old pupil Zaenal, whom police alleged was being "groomed" to carry out an imminent attack.

"From early information, it's known that Zaenal was a candidate for a suicide bombing in Jakarta during New Year celebrations," said police documents into the arrests seen by AFP.