Arrest of militants proves govt is concerned about extremist activities

However, he said, since the disclosure on the arrests of individuals suspected of being involved in militant activities by the media, it reflected as though the activities were only recently discovered.

"It is not true that the government only acted now, it had actually carried out intelligence, action and arrests from before which proves that the government is concerned about extremist activities," he told Bernama here today.

He said that allegations by certain parties that the intelligence capability of the police and the Home Ministry (KDN) was weak was not true when they stated that those involved had only been detained recently.

"KDN and especially the police have the capability to carry out intelligence...now intelligence by the Special Branch had been intensified to establish regional and international cooperation between the intelligence agencies," he said.

He said the current exposure was due to the situation at present and the media interest on the matter which had attracted public discussion.

Wan Junaidi explained that based on the existing law, police could not make any arrest for prevention but must first gather evidence according to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) to charge the individuals concerned in court.

He said that such militant activities and violence could pose a threat to the country if no firm action, close monitoring and public cooperation were forthcoming.

"This is no longer a problem for the KDN and police only but it represents a national problem that calls for the involvement of everyone whether in the government or otherwise.

"The activities of students whether in school or university must be monitored...the authorities must be informed of any doubtful activity," he said.

Asked on the involvement of Malaysians in militant activities, Junaidi said the group had actually not made any detailed assessment on which group's struggles were getting their aid and support and whether they would benefit the ummah generally.

According to Junaidi, what was worrying was that the individuals suspected of being involved in militant activities had received training in warfare and this knowledge would be brought back into this country.

"We worry because their thinking can pose a major threat to the country, this includes influencing our youths.

"Thus, what is important now is that we monitor not only those whom we suspect but also through intelligence from the foreign security agencies too," he said.

Expressing his surprise at the action of the highly educated individual in militant activities, Junaidi said: "This is what we describe as a tendency, where they are keen and easily influenced by what they desire."

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had said that this year, police detained 19 Malaysians who were believed to be involved in militant groups that had links with the militants in southern Philippines and Middle Eastern countries.

In the latest development, five individuals on the police 'wanted' list were suspected to be involved in militant activities namely University of Malaya (UM)Islamic Studies Faculty lecturer, Dr Mahmud Ahmad, 35, photostat and stationery shop owner said to be operating in UM, Mohd Najib Husen, Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, 39, and two residents in Tawau, Sabah, namely Mohd Amin Baco, 30, and Jeknal Adil.

Efforts to curb militant activities had become more challenging for the police after the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) which had been effective in checking militant activities in the country.