Malaysian among three suspected IS militants arrested after anti-terror swoops

From The Star Online (May 30, 2019): Malaysian among three suspected IS militants arrested after anti-terror swoops

KUALA LUMPUR: Three suspected Islamic State (IS) militants have been detained following anti-terror swoops in three states, says Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The Inspector-General of Police said the three men - a local, an Indonesian and a Bangladeshi - were nabbed by the Counter Terrorism Division (E8) between May 17 and 30 in Selangor, Kedah and Sabah.

"A 42-year-old Malaysian contractor was the first arrest made at KLIA on May 17.

"He was planning to head to Egypt to join the Sinai's IS cell before securing safe passage to head to Syria," Abdul Hamid said in a statement Thursday (May 30).

Since last year, the suspect had performed the "bai'ah" (oath of allegiance) to IS supremo Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi twice via Facebook, he added.

"The suspect is a staunch believer in the Salafi Jihadi teachings, so much so that he has rejected the parliamentary democracy system.




"He does not recognise the Malaysian government and any religious organisations," he said, adding that the suspect believed that any Muslims who took part in the nation's elections could be killed as well."

The country's top cop said the next arrest was a 20-year-old Indonesian man, who is believed to have been a facilitator for Indonesian IS militants, who transited in Sabah before heading to southern Philippines to launch suicide bombings.

"The suspect was arrested in Keningau, Sabah, on May 26. He was a labourer and had performed the bai'ah to Abu Bakar as well.

"He has also channelled funds to the Maute terror group in southern Philippines and he was planning to head to Syria soon," Abdul Hamid said.
The last arrest was a 28-year-old Bangladeshi in Kuala Kedah, on May 30.

"He was working as an assistant mechanic on a ship.

"He also possessed the necessary chemicals and expertise to produce Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)," Abdul Hamid said.

He said the E8 is also looking for another Indonesian suspect, identified as Marwan, who escaped during the raid in Keningau on May 26.

"The suspect is in his 30s and his last known address is at Kampung Keritan Laut in Keningau," he said.

The IGP urged anyone with information to contact E8 investigating officer Insp Mohd Razizuan Mohd Razali at 017-3278435 or any nearest police station.

"Stern action will be taken against anyone who harbours this fugitive," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/30/malaysian-among-three-suspected-is-militants-arrested-after-anti-terror-swoops/