Three linked to IS nabbed

Suspects detained following raids in Perak, Selangor and Melaka

KUALA LUMPUR: Three suspected Islamic State (IS) militants have been detained following raids in three states.

The suspects, all Malaysians, were picked up by the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division in Perak, Selangor and Melaka between Sept 8 and 10.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the first suspect, a 21-year-old man, was detained in Bagan Serai, Perak, on Sept 8.

“We believe he has sworn allegiance to IS and has been active with the terror group since early this year.

“He also has connections to al-Qaeda and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG),” he said in a statement yesterday.

The suspect also admitted to having received guidance from Malaysian militant Dr Mahmud Ahmad and a Saudi Arabian bomb expert to produce an improvised explosive device (IED) on a large scale, the IGP added.

“He has attempted to make the bomb three times.

“He also received orders from an IS Malaysian militant in Syria to purchase a pistol, M16 and AK-47 rifles along with a hand grenade from a neighbouring country to launch attacks on non-Muslim places of worship,” he said, adding that chemicals to produce bombs were also seized from the suspect’s home.

The second suspect – a 38-yearold cendol seller – was arrested on Sept 10 for producing IS flags and promoting the terror group’s struggle.

“He also planned to join the IS faction in southern Philippines and in Rakhine, Myanmar,” he said.

Mohamad Fuzi said the last suspect – a 41-year-old bus driver – was arrested in Petaling Jaya on Sept 10 for planning to join IS in Syria later this year.

All suspects were detained under the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012 (Sosma).