The Malaysian Insight

THE beer festival slated for next month will not have support from the police due to security concerns, says Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

He said intelligence found that a militant group was planning to stage an attack at the Better Beer Festival 2017 if it proceeded.

“There were also threats from certain groups that want to create problems at the festival. Because of that and to avoid any untoward incidents, the police has taken the proactive measure to object to the festival from being held for the safety and security of the public,” he said today.

Meanwhile, counterterrorism expert Ahmad El Muhammady said the possibility of an Islamic State attack could not be ruled out should the festival go on.

“Yes, security levels change from time to time. Recently, the authorities uncovered plans for attacks, engineered by IS affiliates, on Sea Games venues and places of worship. In light of these events, it is risky to organise programmes like (the Better Beer Festival),” he said.

He said such events were allowed in the past few years because security levels were not high.

“It could be misread as a provocative act, giving some the incentive to initiate attacks.” 

The Puchong incident in June last year that injured eight people was the clearest guide on how the IS would execute its plan locally, he said.

“It doesn’t matter (if they are courageous). It doesn’t make any difference. All they need are motivation and opportunity.”

Earlier today, security experts said the festival could attract attention from IS as the group had previously threatened to attack a beer factory in Shah Alam.

In June last year, IS claimed responsibility for the first ever attack in Malaysia with the grenade explosion at a nightclub in Puchong.

It was reported that the nightclub’s patrons were watching a Euro 2016 football match when the incident occurred.

Eight people were injured in the incident.

The attack was carried out by Malaysians under the direct command of IS member Muhamad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi from Syria.

Fifteen people were arrested between June 28 and July 1 in connection with the attack, including the two individuals who allegedly threw the grenade. – September 21, 2017.