KUALA LUMPUR: Three suspected Islamic State (IS) militants were detained in a series of raids conducted by the police’s Special Counter-Terrorism Branch in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Pahang.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the three Malaysian suspects were nabbed during raids between Saturday and Monday.

Khalid said the three suspects, aged between 20 and 27, were awaiting instructions from foreign-based Malaysian IS operative Mohamad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi to launch an attack.

“They were expected to launch the attack at an entertainment centre in the city, a temple in Batu Caves and several police stations, by using grenades or firearms during Merdeka eve.

“The first suspect, a lorry driver, was detained in Selangor on Saturday. Police seized a K75 grenade, pistol and 24 bullets,” he said in a statement today.

Khalid said the second suspect, aged 27, who worked as a butcher, was nabbed in Pahang on Monday, while the third suspect was nabbed in the city on the same day.

“All the suspects were planning to go to Syria to join the IS militant group once they managed to launch the attack, with the assistance from Wanndy,” he added.

Khalid said that all the suspects are being detained for suspicion of committing offences under Chapter VI A of the Penal Code, and are being investigated according to procedures under the Security Offences (Special Measure) 2012 (Act 747).

-NST