Another militant suspect arrested

Another individual believed to be involved in militant activities was detained in the federal capital yesterday, bringing to 11 the number of people arrested so far, Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

He said the suspect was arrested while attempting to flee the country.

"We are tracking down the remnants of the group found in the Royal Malaysian Police's list," he told a media conference here.

Last April 28, nine individuals aged between 22 and 55 and believed to be involved in militant activities, were arrested by the Counter Terrorism Division, Special Branch, Bukit Aman police.

Three of them were arrested in Kedah and six in Selangor. The following day, another individual was arrested in Kuala Lumpur.

Ahmad Zahid said the government would not allow Malaysia to be used as a 'launching pad' for terrorists and the police would be firm in their action.

"We want to stop this militant group from recruiting more members through social media, organisations or individuals," he added.

Questioned whether there was any militant group which used a political party as a cover in the country, Ahmad Zahid said there was none so far.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, when contacted by Bernama, confirmed the arrest of an individual for allegedly being involved in militant activities but declined to elaborate.