Police detained 537 militants, terrorists over last 16 years – IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) have detained a total of 537 militants and terrorists from 2001 to 2016 in combatting terrorism and extremism in the country.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police managed to gather intelligence information on security throughout the period to prevent the country from suffering the same fate as countries that had been the target of cruel acts of terrorism.

"In addition, the police have also detained 31 individuals suspected to be involved in Daesh (activity) from January until yesterday," he said when attending the 210th Police Day Memorial Parade 2017 at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) yesterday.

On the police station in Tapah, Perak which had become a target by one of the nine suspects detained for their alleged involvement in Daesh activity recently, Khalid said the suspect could have probably been familiar with the area.

"There is no particular reason as to why the suspect had targeted the police station in Tapah, maybe he (the suspect) knows the area too well," he said.

It was reported yesterday that nine men, including a primary school teacher, were detained at several locations nationwide between March 15 and 21.

Meanwhile, on the security issue in the east coast of Sabah, Khalid said the threat of kidnappings was diminishing but the police remained vigilant over the area.

The IGP said this was due to the success of 'Op Coral' on Dec 8 last year which saw the three kidnappers, including its leader Abraham Hamid, being killed.

"The cooperation with Philippines has managed to cripple the kidnapping network which had been causing trouble all these while," he said.

In another development, Khalid said police had yet to receive any notice on the gathering of a public debate between former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

"I won't comment on this issue (gathering) as long as I have yet to receive any notice on the debate from them," he said.