Deputy IGP: 26 terror attacks prevented in Malaysia since 2016

KUCHING: Police have prevented 26 terror attacks — all linked to the Islamic State — from happening in Malaysia since 2016.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said investigations had determined that all the attacks were in the final stages of preparation when pollice had identified them.

“There were those who had already prepared explosives, grenades and firearms. However, (Malaysia) is fortunate in that we have a team, the Special Branch’s E8 (counter-terrorism), which acts swiftly,” he said.

Ayob was speaking to reporters after a discourse session with the National Book Development Foundation and the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation.

He said police had made many arrests, especially after the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor on May 17 last year.

“Recently, police arrested foreigners in a case which had elements of terrorism and we identified as being involved in the Islamic State (terror group).

“We received some intelligence and we were able to ensure that action was taken before they could launch an attack,” he said.

Ayob said the detention of terror suspects seemed like routine arrests to the public, but that was because no attack had taken place.

“If we were unable to detect (terror cells) in the early stages (before attacks take place), this would have a huge impact on society, and only after will (people) know how serious the terrorist threat is in Malaysia,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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