Malaysians must be grateful to security services for keeping people safe - PM Najib

Malaysians must be grateful to the country's security services for the tremendous work done to keep the people safe, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"But we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and we must stay ahead of ever-present threats.

"The Government has taken and will continue to take steps to address and eliminate any threat to the peace and harmony of our nation," Najib said in his official blog www.najibrazak.com tonight.

He said this in referring to the attack at the Ohio State University in the United States that took place on Monday.

On the incident, Najib said that it was fortunate that the quick action of the Ohio State University Police Division averted a much bigger disaster and prevented the loss of innocent lives.

"Ohio State University Emergency Management Team's rapid response of immediately notifying students and their faculty via social media to take shelter, run, or fight is exemplary.

"It is noteworthy that the clear and constant dissemination of vital information was prompt and many students and staff were able to respond accordingly," Najib said.

Najib also added that he was relieved that no Malaysian students were harmed but his thoughts were with those who were affected by the incident.

"There are 296 Malaysian students currently studying at the university and I am especially comforted that no Malaysians were harmed in that senseless attack.

"My thoughts are with those injured and affected by the violence at the Ohio State University," he said.

American media outlets on Monday reported that a student crashed his vehicle onto the sidewalk at the Columbus, Ohio, campus before slashing students with a butcher knife and was later fatally shot by a campus police officer.

Eleven people are being treated at a hospital, with one in critical condition, according to American media.

It was reported that the alleged attacker was a university student of Somali descent. -- BERNAMA