PUTRAJAYA – Authorities have arrested eight locals for suspected links with Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said the police arrested the six men and two women on June 22 and 23 in a simultaneous operation in four states, Johor, Kelantan, Penang and Selangor.
They were arrested on suspicion of radicalism following previous operations on May 15, 17 and 30.
“The initial investigation by the police revealed that there were threats against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the prime minister, notable individuals, and the top leadership of the police,” he said.
All suspects were arrested for terrorism related offences and will be investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), he said.
Saifuddin said that the suspects, aged between 25 and 70, came from various backgrounds including a retired local university lecturer, a homemaker, and a contractor.
The minister urged Malaysians to remain vigilant and sensitive to threats posed by extremism, radicalism, and violence, exacerbated by the misuse of modern technology and social media to spread harmful ideologies.
“The government insists that there is no compromise against any party who is an instigator, perpetrator, supporter and sympathiser of extremism, radicalism and violence in this country,” he said.
“The authorities will not hesitate to take the strictest form of enforcement on this group.”
Saifuddin also called upon the public, social activists, non-governmental organisations, and all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing these threats that jeopardise the unity and peace of the nation. – June 24, 2024