The blast at a nightclub in Puchong, Selangor on Jun 28 was linked to Islamic State (IS), said Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on Monday (Jul 4).
“Our investigations have found that it is true – there was IS involvement in the incident that happened at Movida cafe that night,” said Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar in a media conference.
Early reports said authorities had ruled out terrorism and were investigating the case as attempted murder linked to business rivalry.
However, police said the probe took another turn after a Facebook post on the attack surfaced, with reports alleging it came from the account of a Malaysian fighting with Islamic State in Syria.
Md Saifuddin Muji (left) and Jasanizam Rosni (right). (Photo: BERNAMA/Royal Malaysia Police)
“As a result of the investigation, we caught 15 people between Jun 28 and Jul 1. Not all were involved in the Movida incident, but they are all linked to IS,” said IG Khalid, adding that seven of the arrests were made in Kedah, four in Selangor, two in Kuala Lumpur, and one each from Melaka and Penang.
Authorities also said that out of the 15 arrested, two were police officers.
IG Khalid said the two people suspected of throwing the hand grenade in Movida that night have also been detained, and their guidance had come from the terror group in Syria.
“We found that the two received instructions from a Malaysian in Syria, Muhamad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi,” said IG Khalid. “He directed them to launch attacks in Malaysia against senior leaders in the government and the Malaysian police force, as well as judges because these three groups are the ones who are trying to block militant activity.”
The Royal Malaysia Police also named two of the suspects – Md Saifuddin Muji and Jasanizam Rosni – who are still at large.
Source: Bernama/hs
