Malaysia’s police have successfully foiled 26 attempted terrorist and militant attacks between 2012 and 2024, according to Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
He said the Counter Terrorism Division (E8) of the Special Branch dealt with both group-based and lone-actor threats. Two attacks were carried out during that period — the 2016 bombing of a pub in Puchong and the 2024 attack on the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers.
During the same period, police detained 75 individuals linked to militant and terrorist activities. Investigations found that those arrested were influenced by the Salafi Jihadi ideology associated with the Islamic State (IS) group.
All suspects were arrested under SOSMA and either charged under the Penal Code or placed under POCA or POTA. Those prosecuted under the Penal Code were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to 25 years.
Among the plots thwarted were plans involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting foreign embassies, entertainment venues, places of worship, public areas, and strategic facilities, including attempted attacks in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Putrajaya.
Ayob Khan stressed that investigations confirmed some suspects had successfully manufactured and tested explosives, firearms, and vehicle-borne IEDs, underscoring the seriousness of the threats.
He emphasised that preventive security laws remain crucial to stopping attacks before lives are lost, noting that human rights must be balanced with national security needs.