Sarawak to tighten security after ’empty threat’ in Bintulu

State premier Abang Johari Openg says he won't take such threats, even hoaxes, lightly.

On Sept 9, police said a Petronas employee in Bintulu had received several threats from a stranger, prompting him to lodge a report. (Petronas pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Sarawak will tighten security at liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Bintulu following threatening text messages sent to a Petronas officer, state premier Abang Johari Openg said.

There had been “no incident” but the state government could not take such matters lightly, even if it were a hoax, Dayak Daily quoted him as saying.

“But it is good that we remain vigilant,” he said, adding that he was looking to increase police presence in Bintulu as it was Malaysia’s industrial hub.

On Monday, the National Security Council ordered an immediate tightening of security measures at LNG facilities in Bintulu following reports of a potential security threat.

A day later, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail revealed that the Petronas employee had received several threats from a stranger, prompting him to lodge a report.

Separately, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said the text messages were sent from a phone number registered in Indonesia. He said the sender initially sent a “specific request” to the Petronas officer, who ignored the message, which led to a threat to burn one of the LNG facilities. - FMT