Police have detained 95 Malaysians on suspicion of involvement with the Islamic State (IS) thus far, said Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid said the number had increased from 93 when the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2015 (Pota) was tabled, to 95 currently.

He said police were monitoring individuals or groups that may be involved or have connections with the IS through social media or other medium.

“We send out our intelligence team to monitor their activities...we cannot simply arrest them without investigating,” he told reporters after attending the ministry's 2014 Excellent Service Awards today.

Excellent service awards were presented to 395 staff of departments and agencies under the ministry.

    

Also in attendance were Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Alwi Ibrahim who is the ministry's secretary-general.

Zahid added that the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation Inauguration based in Singapore would enhance its cooperation with Asia and assist Aseanapol to combat cyber crime in the region.

He said cyber crime was a new challenge faced by police in Malaysia and other countries in the region because criminals have moved on from the analog system to advanced digital systems.

- Bernama