US agencies renew warnings on luxury hotels security

U.S. security authorities have told local law enforcement agencies to be on alert for possible attacks on luxury hotels, but said they had no information on the timing, location or target of any planned attacks.

The note, sent by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to local law enforcement agencies, was unrelated to a probe into a bomb plot in New York and Denver made public in the last week, officials said on Tuesday.

The two federal agencies said the warning issued on Monday was part of "a series of unclassified homeland security notes ... produced to assist our partners as they go about their daily duties."

The agencies said they "believe it is prudent to raise the security awareness of our local law enforcement partners regarding the targets and tactics of previous terrorist activity."

Two federal law enforcement officials said it was just a reminder that terrorists in the past have targeted luxury hotels.

The officials said a similar note also had been sent recently to local law enforcement agencies to be on the alert for possible attacks on U.S. sports stadiums, but they said there was no intelligence of a specific threat.

A probe into a suspected bombing plot, taking place in New York and Colorado, prompted two different FBI and Department of Homeland warnings last week. A U.S. Homeland Security Department spokeswoman said an advisory has been issued "to remind transit authorities to remain vigilant."

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Security at major hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Security at major hotels, nightspots and tourist haunts in the city has been tightened following the terrorist attack on two hotels in Jakarta.

City deputy police chief Datuk Abdul Samah Mat, however, said that Kuala Lumpur was safe. He said uniformed policemen as well as undercover personnel were monitoring the situation.

“Several district police chiefs where prestigious hotels are located have met the hotel representatives to advise on additional security measures. We have also increased our patrols at clubbing areas in the city, such as Jalan P. Ramlee, as well as other tourist haunts."

Meanwhile, the New Sunday Times learnt that several major hotels in the Golden Triangle area of the city have taken additional security measures.

“Since the Jakarta bombing incident on July 17, we have taken extra steps to ensure security,” said an industry source. Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur general manager Stephen Cokkinias said there was no cause for concern as Malaysia was a safe country to visit. “The hotel has always taken measures to ensure the safety of their guests and staff .”

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd security and safety adviser Datuk Kamaruddin Mohd Ismail said there were now more visible security measures at key airports.

“In recent meetings, the police’s General Operations Force informed us that they had increased their uniformed personnel too,” said Kamaruddin, when contacted.

He said the GOF now guarded the departure and arrival halls, as well as the areas outside the terminal buildings of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

“We have also increased the number of security officers and are monitoring at the airside areas, which are the restricted areas of the airport,” said Kamaruddin.

Meanwhile, in Johor Baru, state police chief Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said their officers stationed at all entry points, and marine police personnel patrolling the coastline, have been told to be extra careful.

“We will cooperate with both the Customs and Immigration departments to ensure the nation’s security.”

Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Only 100ml Liquid Allowed on International Flights effective 21 May

Limit on some hand luggage comes into effect May 21

Effective May 21, liquids, aerosols or gels (LAGs) in airline passengers’ hand luggage will be limited to 100ml per item on all international flights departing from Malaysia.

LAGs carried in containers larger than 100ml will not be allowed, even if the container is partially filled and these containers must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one liter.

Malaysia Airports Berhad security & airport fire and rescue services senior general manager Datuk Kamaruddin Mohd Ismail said these bags measuring 20cm by 20cm will be provided free of charge to passengers.

“We expect to be providing these bags free for the first three to six months of implementation, after which passengers must get it by themselves from any supermarket.”

Kamaruddin said the containers must fit comfortably in the bag and that the bag should be presented for X-ray screening separately from other hand luggage.

“Exemptions will be made for medicine, baby milk/food and special dietary requirements needed during the flight,” Kamaruddin said, but added that those carrying medicine or special dietary would need to show proof for verification purposes.

“LAGs purchased at duty free shops or on board the aircraft are exempted from this, but the items must be packed in a different sealed tamper-evident plastic bag with the receipt attached.

“The bag will be provided at the retailers expense at all points-of-purchase that sell LAGs and the receipt attached must be for the day of travel or transit.

“This bag is also much larger and completely different from the transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.”

Kamaruddin said airport staff would be on hand during the initial stage to assist passengers who might not be familiar with the process and added that the smaller re-sealable bag, but not the tamper-evident bag, could be reused.

Kamaruddin urged passengers to take note of the new ruling so that there would be less inconvenience and delay.

Kamaruddin said the new rule followed recommendations by the International Civil Aviation Organisation that was issued to all Contracting States on Dec 11, 2006.

“The recommendations are a result of reports concerning the alleged terrorist plot on August 9, 2006 in the UK.”

Countries which have implemented such restrictions include the United States, Britain, European United nations, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and the Philippines with China starting on May 1 and Singapore on May 8.

The airports in Malaysia where this ruling will take effect are KLIA, Penang, Langkawi, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Redang, Tioman and Malacca.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Pahang Government wants better Security at Hotels

The Pahang state government wants all hotels and resorts to provide better security and screen the background of their workers.

This was aimed at avoding theft of luggage from hotel rooms.

State executive councillor in charge of tourism, culture, arts and heritage Datuk Maznah Mazlan said the recent theft of luggage from ahotel room here should not have occurred and authorities would get to the bottom of the matter.

Maznah said she was aware of the incident and had instructed her senior officials to submit a thorough report.

“This is the first time such an incident happened at a well-known hotel in Kuantan. I believe this is an isolated case and would not have an adverse impact on tourists holidaying here.

“However, I want all hoteliers to take note and improve their security aspects as we take a serious view of the matter.

“Those working in the hotel industry must have a clean background,” she told The Star when contacted.

On March 8, an engineer with an airlines company lodged a police report that his bags were stolen from his hotel room.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism vmy2007]