RMN confirms arrest of a navy personnel for probe into militant case

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) today confirmed the arrest of its personnel, with the rank of Leading Rate, by the police in Sandakan yesterday on suspicion of being involved in militant activities.

RMN, in a statement issued here today, said the Navy personnel was detained in a special operation by the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division.

"The navy personnel, detained under Section 4(1) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, is still under police investigation and the case will be handled by the police," it stated.

Meanwhile, RMN Chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar, when contacted by Bernama, said further action by the Navy would be taken after the police completed their investigation.

"We are not aware. We don't condone the activities. This is a police case and we will let the police investigate. We will take action after the investigation is completed," he added.

On Friday, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin said one of the three individuals detained in the operation was a senior member of a militant group and believed to have undergone training at a camp belonging to the Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines.

The Navy officer and the other suspect were detained on suspicion of harbouring the senior militant member, including helping him to sneak into Sabah.