Malaysia strengthens security after rebel attacks in Zamboanga

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian security forces on its North Borneo state of Sabah are on alert following the rebel attack in the neighboring southern Philippines, officials said Monday.

Mohammad Mentek, a senior security official, said the military and police personnel were put on higher alert after the attack.

He was quoted by the state news agency of Bernama as saying that the authorities are not taking any chances on possible spill over of the incident.

At least six were killed and 24 injured as government troops clashed with members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in southern Philippine city of Zamboanga Monday morning.