Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said enforcement authorities are on high alert over the possibility of an attack in Semporna.
Zahid said they received information that a group was planning to kidnap people and invade Sabah during its annual lepa regatta festival in Semporna, according to a report by The Star today.
He said this after opening the SM Imtiaz Ulul Albab school in Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah, yesterday, adding that the attackers were not targeting anyone specific but were focused on areas they thought were unsuspected by authorities.
Zahid’s response, according to the report, came after rumours spread of attack plans by suspected Abu Sayyaf members at the three-day festival.
Security forces were said to be on alert in Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Semporna and Lahad Datu.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who reportedly said they had received the information, added that such threats were received occasionally.
Zahid added that the army, police and maritime enforcement agency were always on high alert in such incidences.
He also said the ministry had informed the Philippines government so that they would be on the alert as well.