162 individuals with links to ISIS arrested in Malaysia

Maintaining high alert against terrorism, Malaysian police have arrested 162 individuals suspected of having links with the Islamic State militant group, the Home Ministry said on Thursday. 

"The government is also in a midst of implementing the Advanced Passenger Screening System to screen tourists entering the country before they depart from their own country," the ministry said in a written reply to parliament. "The Royal Malaysian Police managed to arrest 162 individuals in Malaysia suspected of involvement with Daesh (the Islamic State terror group), the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysia was on high alert against terrorism. Asking the people not to panic, he said Malaysia had good surveillance systems in place, not just at airports but also at ports and its railway stations. "We take terrorist attacks very seriously and have improved all safety aspects," he told reporters.

According to Liow, extra scanners and closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) had been installed at the country's international airports. "Surveillance and enforcement, especially at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, have been beefed up. "At this time, Malaysia is well protected and safe," he said, adding that Malaysia had a close working relationship with other countries, which included the sharing of intelligence.