The advisory, which appeared Sunday,
cautions Australians to be vigilant, saying attacks could occur in locations
frequented by Westerners or target Western interests.
In response to Australia's warning, a spokesman for
Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said there was "nothing to be alarmed
of"."We also acknowledge the fact that foreign missions are at
liberty to provide their own assessment of the security situation in their host
countries," said the spokesman, adding "it may not be accurate or
give a true reflection of the situation".
Australia's announcement follows the British
government's advisory last week that changed its terrorism threat level for
Malaysia from general to high.
Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand earlier
warned their citizens against travelling to the coastal islands of east Sabah
over risks of kidnapping.
Kidnapping for ransom of Malaysians and foreigners in
Sabah by militant groups from the southern Philippines has occurred since 2000.
New Zealand has a "high risk" alert for travel to the area.
Australia's new advisory also has a note asking citizens
to avoid going to resorts, dive sites and tourist facilities in the coastal
area of east Sabah. The note says the risk of kidnapping increases on the water
and on waterfronts after nightfall.
Singaporean Sean Yang, 37, who works in the finance
sector and travels to Kuala Lumpur often, said big cities run the risk of
terrorist attacks. "As an individual, if you stay clear of touristy and
crowded areas, you can minimize some of that risk."Malaysian police have
arrested over 100 people suspected to have links with Islamic State in Iraq and
Syria (ISIS) militants since 2014. The most recent arrests took place last
month.
Malaysian police have been on the highest alert since
last month's terror attack in Jakarta. -
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