4 Men Arrested For Planning Terror Attacks Over Fireman Adib's Death
The group had planned to carry out the attacks during Ramadan.
By Jia Vern Tham — 13 May 2019, 04:53 PM
Four men have been arrested for planning terror attacks and assassinations across Malaysia during the first week of Ramadan
Malay Mail reported that the men, who admitted to being part of an Islamic State (IS) cell, were arrested between 5 and 7 May.
They were detained by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in raids conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, and Kuala Berang in Terengganu.
The suspects include three foreigners and one Malaysian
According to theSun, two of the suspects are Rohingya men, while one of them is Indonesian.
Malay Mail reported that one of the Rohingya man held a UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) tag. He was found to be a member of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and had planned to attack the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Two of the men admitted to wanting to perform Jihad in Rakhine and Syria.
Oriental Daily reported that one of the men, who is the leader of an IS cell, had contacted the other suspects through WhatsApp.
Weapons and explosives, believed to be shipped from neighbouring countries, were also confiscated in the raids.
The terror attacks and assassinations were plotted after the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Kassim, who passed away after severe injuries from the Seafield temple riot last November
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador revealed that the suspects had planned to avenge Adib's death through attacks and assassinations.
"Our counter-terrorism unit found a 'wolf pack' allied with IS who planned to assassinate high-profile targets," Abdul Hamid was quoted as saying by Malay Mail at the Bukit Aman police headquarters earlier today.
Moreover, simultaneous terror attacks on entertainment outlets, Christian churches, as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples were also planned in the Klang Valley.
"They planned to kill those they felt offended Islam or didn't defend Muslim rights," Abdul Hamid said, according to Malay Mail.
"One of the group's main objectives was to avenge the death of fireman Adib. All four of them pledged their allegiance to the now-defunct IS terror group," the IGP was quoted as saying by theSun.
The suspects reportedly received instructions from a Malaysian in Syria
The Malaysian Insight reported that the WhatsApp group of the suspects was established in January.
"We're trying to locate the contact person (they) had in Syria. We know he's called either Akhil Sham or Akhil Zainal," the IGP was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.
All four suspects are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012
They will also face charges under Section 574 of the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, the police are tracking three more suspects who are believed to belong to the group:
- Syazani Mahzan from Bedong, Kedah,
- Muhammad Nuurul Azim Azizan from Bedong, Kedah, and
- Indonesian national Fatir Tir, whose last known address was in Banting, Selangor.
Members of the public with information on the suspects are urged to contact Assistant Superintendent Manivanan Sibalingam at 017-3278435 or provide information at any police stations.