KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded the public not to assume that security threats occurring in other countries are too distant to affect Malaysia.
The Prime Minister cited concerns over Israeli intelligence activities operating in neighbouring countries and Israeli settlements in Phuket and southern Thailand, which are viewed as potential threats to the country.
“We are disclosing this information to the public, which is why the National Security Council (NSC) advised me yesterday to issue a statement today.
“This is to remind all Honourable Members and the public not to think that these threats are far away from us, as what has happened in Europe, the United States and Japan has caused considerable alarm in those countries.
“We are still monitoring other developments involving tensions in the West Asian conflict, developments in Yemen and the Red Sea, as well as security threats in Europe, which demonstrate that crises abroad can affect the safety of the people, economic stability and national interests,” he said.
He said this when delivering a statement on the country’s security preparedness in facing developments in geopolitical conflicts and regional and international security tensions in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The Prime Minister said that although not all information could be disclosed, Malaysia was certainly among the countries considered potential targets.
“There are two reasons. Firstly, our strength in digital technology and data centres is among the strongest. Based on the latest figures, for instance, our capabilities are comparable to those of Europe.
“Secondly, our firm stance on several issues considered controversial by certain countries, particularly in Europe and the United States, especially on Palestine and Gaza,” he said.
Anwar also said the government had taken note of measures by several countries, including the European Union (EU), Canada and Japan, which had issued directives and advisories urging their citizens to maintain food supplies sufficient for three to 10 days.
“This is due to the uncertain international situation, particularly following widespread and alarming cyberattacks targeting digital infrastructure across Europe and the Western world, including administrative systems,” he said.
Elaborating further, Anwar said yesterday’s special National Security Council (NSC) meeting also examined hybrid digital and cyberattacks, as well as whether the threats and attacks against several Gulf countries, particularly Iran, could affect the use of nuclear weapons.
He said the meeting also assessed whether political developments in Europe could affect the country’s administrative systems.
“This afternoon, the Chief Secretary to the Government will chair a meeting with all relevant departments, while the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will hold a special session with all domestic financial institutions.
“We have also drawn lessons from the European Union’s preparedness approach, the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, in dealing with any form of threat involving the entire government machinery, private sector and the public,” he said.
Anwar also said all ministers, ministries and agencies had been instructed to continue carrying out their responsibilities by ensuring effective coordination, while the bodies under their supervision had been told to remain prepared, particularly the security forces.
He said the NSC meeting had also provided him with assurances on the country’s preparedness from the Chief of Defence Force and the Inspector-General of Police.
“May Allah protect and safeguard our beloved Malaysia,” he said. – November 3, 2026