Travel advisory for Sweden | The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian embassy in Sweden has issued a travel advisory for Malaysians residing in or travelling to the country in response to Sweden’s recent elevation of its terror alert to the second-highest level.

This decision follows a string of public desecration of the Quran, which has sparked protests in some Muslim nations and threats from militant groups.

The embassy, through the advisory issued on X or formerly Twitter, advised Malaysians to exercise caution and always maintain vigilance.

In an emergency, individuals are urged to dial 112 for help.

“Malaysian nationals are also advised to register with the Embassy of Malaysia in Stockholm to facilitate communication and consular services,” it added.

The Embassy of Malaysia in Stockholm can be contacted at the following: Karlavagen 37, 114 31 Stockholm, Sweden or by phone at + 46 8440 8400 or +46 73 536 9152 or via email at mwstockholm@kln.gov.my

Meanwhile, the international media has reported that the Swedish Security Service, known as SÄPO, lifted the “terror threat level” one notch to “high”, the fourth of five levels, for the first time since 2016.

The move, reported BK, reflects Swedish concerns that a handful of anti-Islam activists’ repeated Quran burning this year has made the Scandinavian country a prime target for extremists.

The Swedish government will review the Public Order Act in response to a series of repeated attacks on the Quran, according to media outlets.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, along with coalition partners Ebba Busch, leader of the Christian Democrats, and Johan Pehrson, leader of the Liberal Party, have jointly authored an article published in the Dagens Nyhete newspaper, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue and shared their commitment to review the existing law without making any changes to the Constitution.

“They stressed the importance of police taking into account national security while considering applications for gatherings and demonstrations,” Anadolu Agency reported.

“The government will investigate ways to change rules and prevent attacks on the Muslim holy book,” it reported.

Recent months have seen repeated acts of Quran burning and desecration by Islamophobic figures or groups, especially in northern European and Nordic countries.