Johor Baru (Malaysia), Jan 26: Another Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) leader has received death threats over phone.

Till now two MIC leaders have lodged reports alleging they were threatened over the phone that they were next on the hit list.

The caller, who spoke in Tamil, said the threatening words before hanging up.

Johor police chief Mokhtar Mohd Shariff confirmed that they have received a report from a Johor MIC leader and were investigating the case.

It is learnt that investigations are being carried out under Section 507 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation by anonymous communications, which carries a maximum two-year jail term and fine.

The police are not taking such threats lightly in the wake of brutal killing of S. Krishnasamy, a member of the national-level Central Committee of the MIC and a Tenggaroh assemblyman.

It is understood that threats have been made against several senior MIC leaders. They have, however, not made police reports, dismissing this as an "occupational hazard".

The Star Online quoted a source as saying that the threats began after the private handphone numbers of the leaders were circulated via SMS.

An MIC Perak leader, it is understood, has also received a threatening phone call. No further details are available. (ANI)