More details have emerged following country-wide arrests of seven suspected militants last month, with revelations that two Kelantan men had planned to carry out two terror plots.
Sources close to the investigation believe that the attacks were to be carried out next month on police stations in the northeast state of Kelatan, as well as non-Muslim worshipping sites. Both of the individuals involved are accused of attempting to execute plans set out by Islamic State militant, and top Malaysian recruiter, Akel Zainal.
Following the death of the former Malaysian militant leader Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi, Akel Zainal, who has been fighting with the IS since January 2014, took over the role.
Local media outlet The Star reports that their source confirmed that one man, a honey seller by trade, was to “act as a lone wolf” in his attacks on police stations in Kelantan, as well as non-Muslim houses of worship in the Klang Valley. At the time of his arrest, his plans were about 40% away from coming to fruition.
Another militant who was working as a driving school employee was engaging with other militants to smuggle arms into Malaysia via a neighboring country. Authorities believe he joined IS last year, said the source, and had learned how to make IEDs.
Both men were rounded up along with five others, including one 45-year-old Filipino man based in Sabah. Speaking to The Star, the source alleges the man is a member of the Abu Sayyaf terror group, and was working to scout potential kidnapping for ransom victims.
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