Bintulu LNG Threats Came From Number Registered In Neighbouring Country - Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said threats to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Bintulu, Sarawak, were sent via short message service (SMS) from a phone number registered in Indonesia.

He said the government had since tightened security at LNG facilities in Sarawak and Sabah after a Petronas employee at the company’s headquarters received the threatening messages by SMS.

“I was informed that threatening SMS messages were received, originating from a phone number in Indonesia.

“However, who was behind it is still under police investigation. As a precaution, the National Security Council (MKN) has ordered increased security measures to ensure preparedness, whether the threat involves the LNG facility in Bintulu or in Sabah, as the messages only referred to LNG in general,” he said.

He said this after launching the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security here today.

According to Fadillah, the threat was linked to a specific request made by the sender, and when no response was given, the individual threatened to burn the country’s LNG facilities.

“He asked for an answer but because there was no response, he threatened to burn our LNG - but who knows which one,” he added.

Yesterday, the MKN in a statement announced that the government had directed all LNG facilities in Bintulu, Sarawak, to immediately tighten security following the threat.

The move, it said, was to enable security forces and relevant agencies to carry out an immediate investigation.

“The public is reminded not to speculate on this matter. Developments on the situation will be communicated from time to time,” the statement read.

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said security at all Petronas LNG facilities was tightened immediately following the threats.

He said the officer involved had received the threatening SMS messages from an unknown individual before lodging a police report.

“The police, including contingents nationwide, are also helping to increase security at all Petronas LNG facilities to ensure the security of the facilities is under control,” he said during a blood donation drive held in conjunction with the 218th Police Day here.

-- BERNAMA