KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — “The police have sought the cooperation of the people by way of information to eliminate the threat of possible militant attacks in the country.

Bukit Aman special branch counter terrorism division principal assistant director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the police needed information from the people on activities of a suspicious nature so that they could act.

He spoke to reporters after delivering a talk on 'IS: The Security Perspective' and presenting contributions to Federal Territory mosque and surau committee members at the Federal Territory Mosque here today.

Ayob said it was important for the police to work with the religious department and the immigrant department to check the threat of militancy in the country.

He was asked to comment on the threat of a militant attack that came to light following the arrest of two Iraqis last Thursday on suspicion of involvement in the issuing of death threats to the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Kuala Lumpur.

Ayob said the threat of militancy abroad had entered the second phase of militant attacks, such as those which took place in Australia and France, apparently committed by terrorists. 

"In Malaysia, it is still in the first phase (of recruiting members) ... but it must not be assumed that there will be no attacks.

"In this matter, we need the cooperation of all quarters to monitor and offer information to the police on suspicious activities. We will act," he said.  

On the arrested Iraqis, he said the two suspected members of the IS militant group were under investigation.

On a related matter, Ayob said women and girls who planned to join the IS in Syria knew that they had to 'entertain' four mujahideen simultaneously there.

 "This was learned from questioning the women and girls. They have knowledge of what is required of them while they are there as they have been brainwashed to regard that as something which is not wrong.

"They are convinced that their going there is a part of jihad (holy war)," he said.

So far, 75 people suspected to have been involved in the IS militant group, including the two Iraqis, have been arrested in Malaysia. — Bernama