10 Terrorist Suspects Detained Under ISA

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has confirmed that only 10 were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) recently, quashing reports saying 50 were nabbed under the act. He said the detainees, comprising a local and nine foreigners, were detained for alleged link with international terrorism organizations.

"Any terrorist linked with other terrorist groups internationally is a threat to our country.

"Whether they are planning to do it here (in the country) or outside, once they are on our shore, they are under our jurisdiction and we are serious about combating terrorism," he told reporters after a MoU signing ceremony between the ministry and the Malaysian Association of Security Guard Services, here.

Hishammuddin said the ministry was working very closely with international agencies with regard to terrorism and those who were detained were on the wanted list by those agencies.

He however refused to comment further as the matter should be handled very carefully for it posed a serious threat to the security of the country and involved cooperation with international agencies from all over the world.

Earlier, a report by a news portal saying that a prominent human rights lawyer and the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) pressure group alleged that up to 50 individuals were nabbed under ISA since last week. -- BERNAMA