PUTRAJAYA: Six men and two women have been arrested by police for alleged ties to the Islamic State terror group.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the suspects, including a retired lecturer, were arrested by Special Branch E8 (Counter Terrorism) policemen.
This followed operations in Johor, Kelantan, Penang and Selangor over the weekend.
"Our investigations revealed that there were threats of attacks against His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and other dignitaries, including the top brass of the police force," he told reporters at the Home Ministry.
Also present during the press conference was Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Special Branch deputy director (II) Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Majid.
Saifuddin said the eight suspects, aged between 25 and 70, have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).
"These arrests were made following other operations by E8 on May 15, 17 and 30.
"The suspects came from various employment backgrounds and economic status.
"Amongst the eight arrested are a housewife, construction worker, former university lecturer and an unemployed individual," he said.
Saifuddin added that further investigations were being conducted to establish a connection between the eight.
When asked if the eight were connected to the Ulu Tiram police station attack, Saifuddin said police were still investigating.
"Special Branch is working continuously on this matter and we will not link the arrests to any incidents (yet)," he said.
In the May 17 attack at the police station in Johor, a masked intruder shot dead two policemen and wounded another before being killed himself.
Two students who were at the station at the time were arrested on the probability that they could have been there to distract the policemen on duty. However, they were later released.
His five family members — his parents, a brother and two sisters — have since been hit with terror-related charges linked to IS.
Saifuddin also advised Malaysians to be attentive and sensitive to threats of new forms by elements of extremism, radicalism and violence.
He said these threats abused the development of modern technology and misused social media to spread harmful ideas.
Saifuddin reiterated the Malaysian government's stand that there would be no compromise against any party who is an instigator, perpetrator, supporter or sympathisers of elements of extremism, radicalism and violence in this country.
"The authorities will not hesitate to take the most severe enforcement action on this group.
"Therefore, the government urges the public including community activists, organisations as well as non-governmental organisations and private parties to work together to stop this threat from affecting the unity and peace of the country," he said.
Saifuddin gave his assurances to the public against feeling upset or anxious about the level of security and public order in Malaysia.
He said the police force was working with efficiency and agility to repel threats of extremism, radicalism and terrorism.