KULIM: Police require an extended investigation period to examine a case involving six Malaysian males, three of whom are minors. They were recently detained for allegedly participating in activities aligned with the ideology of the IS terrorist group.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that while some parties are advocating against the application of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) in this case, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation within the context of terrorism.
“The police action has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who pointed out that those detained were minors. On this basis, they are urging that Sosma should not be used against them.
“However, in the context of security threats, especially those involving terrorism, the police require a longer period to complete their investigation,” he told reporters after attending the Noble Values Cultivation programme and the Kedah-level Nuzul Quran observance here on Friday night, reported Bernama.
Earlier Friday, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said police had foiled an attempt to revive the ideology of the IS terrorist group in the country, with the arrest of six local males, including three minors.
He said that the suspects, aged between 16 and 21, were detained during operations conducted by the Special Branch over two days, beginning Feb 14, in the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah and Terengganu.
According to Saifuddin Nasution, if the case involves activities in a neighbouring country, the police would need to contact authorities there to verify information and conduct profiling.
He explained that the process cannot be completed within just two or three days, even if the suspects involved are aged 17 or 18.
Saifuddin Nasution said that preliminary investigations and information gathered from the suspects’ devices indicated that, at their age, they were aware of the risks associated with involvement in terrorist activities.
“Therefore, I have complete confidence in the police team that has been conducting surveillance and gathering intelligence for a long while now, making the arrests only in the past week or two.
“They are continuing their investigation, and the matter will ultimately be presented before the courts,” he said.
Elaborating further, he said the arrest of all the suspects was the result of meticulous intelligence work, carried out by the Special Branch, through close monitoring, including activities on social media and various online application platforms.
