Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail has advised Palestinians to keep a low profile when in Malaysia to avoid being targeted by foreign intelligence agencies.
Khalid said the police were always prepared to handle external threats that could affect national security, including “any agenda brought by foreign intelligence agencies”.
He said there were two cases recently which police suspected had been masterminded by foreign spies, namely the case of the Israeli caught in possession of firearms last year, and the kidnapping of a Palestinian three years ago.
“To ensure the safety of Palestinians residing in Malaysia, we advise them to keep a low profile to avoid becoming targets (of foreign intelligence agencies). We also advise them to report to the police if they notice any suspicious behaviour towards them,” he said in a statement.
Khalid said the police were working closely with the immigration department, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, and Interpol to monitor foreigners entering Malaysia.
He said the police gave serious attention to foreigners who had long resided in Malaysia, including permanent residents or those here for business, such as foreign consultants.
“The police also continue to forge strategic collaborations with other national security agencies through the exchange of information and views. We remain committed to ensuring Malaysia’s security and preserving the welfare of the people,” he said.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said threats posed by international intelligence agencies, including Israel’s Mossad, had long been recognised.
Anwar said it had been confirmed that Mossad had a presence here and had recruited or worked with locals as agents or accomplices.
In February, Israeli national Avitan Shalom was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to possessing 200 rounds of ammunition and six firearms without a permit.
The weapons and ammunition were discovered in a hotel room on Jalan Ampang between 6.46pm on March 26 and 6pm on March 28, 2024.
Earlier this month, six men were imprisoned for five years after pleading guilty to abducting and confining a Palestinian man in September 2022.
