Cops detain five more over alleged links to Tamil Tigers

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detained five more men over alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terror group.

Sources said the men were detained in Melaka, Penang and Selangor on Saturday (Oct 12) by the Counter-Terrorism Division (E8).

"Two suspects were arrested in Melaka, two in Penang and one in Selangor.

"Authorities believe they have been supporting the terror group," a source told The Star on Saturday.

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

Bukit Aman is expected to hold a special press conference on Sunday (Oct 13) to address the matter.

On Thursday (Oct 10), seven men, including two DAP assemblymen, were detained for their involvement in supporting LTTE.

Among those detained was a man who planned an attack on the Sri Lankan High Commission in the city.

On Thursday, E8 chief Deputy Comm Datuk Ayob Khan had said he was aware of certain parties equating the acts of the LTTE in Sri Lanka to that of the Palestinians fighting for their homes, but they would continue to take action against anyone who was involved in such activities.

"I do not see this as a racist act. Why are certain people labelling us as racists now when we have steadily been taking action against all individuals linked to terrorist activities from all races and religions," he asked.

DCP Ayob also dismissed allegations of making arrests based on race as the E8 has always been consistent in nabbing those involved in terror groups.

"So far, 284 Jemaah Islamiyah members, 512 Islamic State members and 25 LTTE members have been detained in various operations over the years.

"We will take stern action against anyone who breaks the law, especially those involved in terrorism," he said.

DCP Ayob said it is clear that the LTTE has been classified as a terrorist group by several countries, including Malaysia.