14 people arrested in Malaysia for IS links

KUALA LUMPUR — Counter-terrorism police arrested 14 people in several states between July 14 and 20 for connections to the Islamic State (IS) including the sharing of bomb-making techniques, Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police said on Saturday (July 23).

The 13 men and a woman were Malaysian citizens. All were detained in an operation that spanned Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Penang and Sabah.

Mr Khalid Abu Bakar said 12 of those arrested were members of the same cell from which arrests were made last month.

“They are suspected of receiving directions from Muhamad Wandy Mohamed Jedi to conduct attacks in Malaysia.

“One suspect admitted to having shared explosive-making techniques with other members of the Islamic State via the Telegram app,” Mr Khalid said in a statement.

The suspect also reportedly confessed to receiving orders from Mohammad Wandy to carry out attacks in the Klang Valley, and that he was provided with a gun by the latter to defend himself against arrest, Mr Khalid added.

Police also seized one improvised explosive device weighing 1kg that was allegedly prepared for deployment against senior police leaders, the IGP said.

All those arrested will be held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act.

Muhamad Wandy is a Malaysian from Kedah that left for Syria to join the Islamic State.

The arrests are the latest related to the IS, which Mr Khalid previously blamed for a grenade attack on a Puchong night club, ostensibly the first successful attack by the terrorist group locally. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE