Deputy Home Minister Azis Jamman said this followed the shooting incidents at two mosques in New Zealand which killed 49 people.

‘’The police are aware of this matter and we have asked them to guard and observe houses of worship specifically,’’ he said after an operation to nab illegals at the Seri Kembangan wholesale market here today.

Three Malaysians were injured in the shooting incidents in New Zealand.

‘’We sympathise with the families of the victims who were involved in the terrorist attack incident,’’ said Azis.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division (E8) principal assistant director Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said police would tighten security at houses of worship and entertainment outlets.

‘’We always direct the district police headquarters to monitor houses of worship and sensitive places,’’ he told reporters after a Resident Associations’ and Rukun Tetangga unity gathering here today.

In addition, Ayob Khan said police would take firm action against any quarter which sought to exploit religious and racial issues which could threaten national security.

‘’I stress that no quarter in Malaysia should exploit religious and racial issues, special privileges and the royal institution in Malaysia,’’ he said.

Ayob Khan said such issues could trigger reactions of certain quarters, such as those involved in Islamic State activities, to carry out attacks.