KUALA LUMPUR – Police arrested six individuals suspected of involvement in a terrorist group, in Selangor, Perak, Penang and here on January 6 and 7.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, in a statement yesterday, said they comprise five locals and an Indonesian.
During the operation conducted by Special Branch, he said, officers seized two Islamic State flags, a machete and a knife.
“All those detained are members of Anshorullah At-Tauhid, an IS cell set up in October 2019 aimed at promoting the Salafi Jihadi ideology by recruiting members and plotting attacks in Malaysia.
“Police investigations found that three of those arrested had issued death threats to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and several of his cabinet members.”
He said the suspects also plotted attacks on gambling centres in Genting Highlands, Pahang, as well as liquor factories around the Klang Valley.
On the death threats, he said these were often issued by terrorist suspects and pro-IS groups detained by Special Branch.
“Police always evaluate such threats, and investigations showed no plans or preparations were made to execute the threats.”
The six suspects are being investigated under Section 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, for being in possession, custody or control of materials related to a terrorist group. – Bernama, March 27, 2021
