Malaysia issues terrorist warning for Kuala Lumpur
The Alur Street market area of Kuala Lumpur is very densely populated and hence attractive for terrorists looking for a high kill-rate. Today the Malay authorities and both the Australian and US embassies have given a very detailed warning of what is feared to be an active terrorist operation by Islamic militants.

Bangkok: Authorities in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur have credible information about a planned terrorist attack amid concern about growing support for Islamic State among Muslim extremists across south-east Asia.

The Australian government through its smartraveller.gov.au website issued a specific warning of an attack in the Alor Street hawker area in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. It is unusual for an Australian advisory to be so specific.

Police investigate the scene at the Erawan Shrine after an explosion in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 17. Credit: AP

The US issued a similar warning, saying terrorist organisations have in the past planned attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar.