PM advises against raising people's anxiety over security

He said the security agencies had been instructed to step up efforts to check terrorist threats in the country following militant attacks in several cities of the world.

The government had decided to take certain measures to curb and foil any attempt by terrorists to undermine the peace and harmony in the country, he said.

"This includes the decision of the government to introduce the National Security Council Act 2015 which will enable the government to act effectively in curbing terrorism in the country," he said in a statement.

He said the National Security Council, which he chaired, viewed very gravely the threat posed by extremist religious terrorists.

Najib said he would chair a meeting of the council tomorrow to discuss the security measures already in place as well as developments, including the terrorist attack in Jakarta last week.

"I am convinced and believe that every citizen who loves peace and harmony will be with the government in its endeavour against terrorist threats.

"We have to be united in handling the terrorist threat," he said.

Eight people – four terrorists and four civilians – were killed in a terrorist attack in Jakarta last Thursday. Earlier reports had said five militants and two civilians had died in the incident.