Terrorist groups in Malaysia are planning attacks foreigners in the Borneo island state of Sabah, according to the United States Embassy in Malaysia.

A police spokesman in Sabah says security has been stepped up across the region, especially at tourist locations. The website of the US embassy warns travellers to avoid the region or else be extremely vigilant. In 2000 Philippine Abu Sayyaf rebels abducted 21 foreigners in the region and took them to their stronghold on the island of Jolo, where they kept them hostage for several months.

Malaysia (Wikimedia Commons)