Nabbed: The suspected IS recruiter was arrested by Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division personnel as he attempted to re-enter the country.
KUALA LUMPUR: A civil servant, identified as a militant recruiter, and a housewife have been detained for suspected links with the Islamic State (IS) terror group.
The 29-year-old man, a civil servant from Sabah, was detained on March 19 while he was returning from abroad.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the civil servant had left his post in December 2012 and had gone to a neighbouring country in early February this year.
“He was using the passport of that country, which he had obtained illegally. He was detained as he was trying to re-enter Malaysia using the passport,” he said yesterday.
He added that the suspect had planned to recruit more militants to join the IS.
“He also had connections with Malaysian militants in Syria.”
The IGP said the 28-year-old housewife was detained at KL International Airport on March 7 as she was about to fly to a neighbouring country before heading to Syria to join the IS.
“We are investigating her role in the local militant network,” he added.
Khalid vowed that Malaysia would not be used as a hideout or launch pad for terror cells.
“Terrorists and militants are not welcomed here,” he said.
The latest arrests have brought the total number of militants detained to more than 68 since February 2013.
Those arrested include civil servants, navy and air force personnel and an officer attached with the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry.
A former National Service trainer, along with a number of private and public university students, were among the latest arrests made.
Police are still hunting for five militants who are believed to have links with IS and the Abu Sayyaf terror group from the Philippines.
Former university lecturer Dr Mahmud Ahmad (also known as Abu Handzalah) and sundry shop owner Mohd Najib Husen, both 36, are among them.
Khalid has urged anyone with information on the militants to contact the nearest police station or the counter-terrorism division at 03-2266 7010 or 011-2104 6850 or e-mailCTD.E8M@gmail.com.
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