Two civil servants were among three individuals arrested last week over suspected links to Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar (right) said the other suspect had allegedly joined the militant group in Syria from Dec 28, 2013 and returned to Malaysia on April 8.

He added that the two civil servants, attached to a government department in Kuala Lumpur, were suspected of channeling funds to Malaysians wanting to join the group.

The trio were detained under Chapter VI of the Penal Code and will be investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

The Sosma was gazetted to replace the Internal Security Act, but recent arrests under the Sosma has revived calls for the ISA's revival.

The ISA allows detention for investigation for up to 60 days and further detention of at least two years at the home minister's discretion.

Sosma allows detention for investigation for at least 28 days.

To date, at least 40 including a 14-year-old student have been arrested for alleged links to Islamic State.

In October, 14 suspects were nabbed for allegedly recruiting and financing aspiring militants.

Among those arrested was a ministry assistant director, who police said was tasked to fund the recruits’ trips to Syria.