108 nabbed under Sosma

The New Straits Times

A TOTAL of 108 individuals of various nationalities have been detained nationwide for involvement in militant activities since 2010, the Dewan Negara was told yesterday.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the ministry was working with foreign intelligence agencies to prevent the infiltration of militant elements into the country.

“This includes the exchange of intelligence information between countries, especially between Asean countries.”

He said the ministry was monitoring the movements of suspicious groups and individuals who had been involved in militant activities.

He said the ministry was conducting programmes to rehabilitate those who were detained and their families.

Wan Junaidi was replying to a question by Senator Datuk Noriah Mahat, who asked about the total arrests involving militant cases and actions taken by the ministry to eliminate such activities.

Wan Junaidi said the repeal of the Internal Security Act in 2011 had made investigations into militant activities difficult for the authorities.

He said such investigations were time consuming and the maximum of 28 days’ detention provided by the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 was insufficient.

“We have to look forward.

“The ministry is working around current provisions and is striving to improve the steps taken (to combat militant activities).”