Latest news with #SecurityOffences(SpecialMeasures)Act
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Cops on money trail of legitimate businesses helping launder drug money
KUALA LUMPUR: Federal police are looking to step up the detection of legitimate businesses that may be helping launder drug money. Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said there is a trend of drug syndicates using legitimate businesses to launder money. "This was discovered in several past arrests," he said in an interview with Harian Metro's Kafe Ahad. "We use a money trail approach to ensure the assets seized in drug busts can be traced, forfeited, and disposed of under existing legal provisions." On the NCID's plans to seek to close loopholes exploited by syndicates using legitimate businesses as a front, Hussein said there were several proposals. These included stringent business licence screening through background checks of company owners and the monitoring of financial transactions with the help of Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to detect suspicious money flows. The police are also looking into the closer monitoring of e-commerce platforms and greater information sharing between the NCID and other enforcement agencies. On the issue of cross-border drug smuggling at the Malaysia-Thai border, Hussein said the NCID will step up efforts to dismantle syndicate networks, including at the grassroots level. This measure covers arrests under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act and asset forfeitures. "We aim to cripple the syndicates financially through the seizure of property, assets, and cash." Hussein, the former Selangor police chief, took over as federal NCID director on July 21.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bangladeshi militant group: Malaysia shows effective counterterrorism capabilities, says analyst
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent discovery and crippling of a Bangladeshi-based Islamic State (IS) cell operating in Malaysia has reinforced the nation's strategic position in regional migration networks and the effectiveness of its counterterrorism efforts, a security analyst said. Chasseur Group security analyst Munira Mustaffa believes the detection demonstrates Malaysia's continued appeal as an operational environment for foreign extremist networks, but this reflects strategic calculations by threat-actors rather than unique Malaysian vulnerabilities. "The case reinforces Malaysia's position as a country where legitimate migration channels intersect with security challenges. "However, the successful disruption by Malaysian authorities also demonstrates robust counterterrorism capabilities," she told the New Straits Times. Chasseur Group is a specialised research and analytical consulting firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, focused on complex security challenges. "All countries face terrorism risks, but Bangladesh's recent regime change creates particular vulnerabilities. "Post-revolution periods typically involve internal power struggles, disagreements over governance direction, and social fractures," she said adding that these instabilities create opportunities that extremist groups can exploit. Munira said it is a common pattern seen after sudden political transitions. She said the regional implications are limited, as this appears to be a homeland-focused network rather than one seeking regional expansion or local recruitment. "While public concern is understandable, the successful identification and disruption of this network actually demonstrates effective counterterrorism capabilities rather than enforcement failures. "Malaysia faces similar challenges to other countries with significant migrant populations and established diaspora communities. "The network's exclusive focus on Bangladeshi nationals and homeland objectives suggests selective targeting rather than broad-based local recruitment," she said adding that modern counterterrorism operates on intelligence-led approaches focusing on tangible threats rather than abstract possibilities, which appears to be functioning effectively in this case. Munira believes that sustained intelligence-led operations remain the most effective approach, as evidenced by this successful disruption. "Key priorities include maintaining robust intelligence-sharing mechanisms with international partners, particularly given the transnational nature of these networks. "Enhanced community engagement within diaspora communities can provide early warning indicators whilst avoiding broad-based surveillance approaches," she said adding that the focus should remain on understanding threat-actor operational requirements rather than implementing blanket restrictions that may prove counterproductive. She said Malaysia's existing legal framework, including the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, appears adequate for addressing these threats, as demonstrated by the varied legal dispositions in this case. "Further legislative restrictions risk creating authoritarian overreach whilst potentially alienating communities whose cooperation is essential for effective counterterrorism. "The emphasis should be on improving implementation and community-based prevention approaches rather than expanding legal powers," she said adding that evidence-based community engagement programmes may prove more effective than additional legislative measures. Munira said Malaysia could benefit from adopting more systematic approaches to threat assessment and community engagement programmes developed in other democracies. "This includes enhanced analytical frameworks for understanding threat-actor operational requirements, improved inter-agency coordination mechanisms, and evidence-based community resilience programmes. "However, any adaptations must account for Malaysia's specific demographic, political, and constitutional context rather than wholesale adoption of foreign models. The priority should be strengthening analytical capabilities and community partnerships rather than expanding enforcement powers," he said.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Federal Court grants bail to businessmen charged with organised crime links
PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has granted bail of RM50,000 each for two businessmen charged with being members of an organised crime group, pending the outcome of their trial. The court also imposed conditions for the two men to wear electronic monitoring devices and remain within the compound of their respective homes. The decision on Thursday (July 3) was made in a 2-1 majority by a three-member panel led by Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan. She said the majority were of the view that S. Hemanathan, 31, and 39, had made out their case primarily due to their health conditions, coupled with the inability of the prison system to attend to or care for prisoners who need special medical attention. "They are prohibited from travelling outside of their residential home without reasonable consent of the police and must report to the nearest police station once every two weeks. Also, they may travel to hospitals for treatment of their medical conditions with the permission of the police, which should not be unreasonably withheld," she said. Justice Datuk Hanipah Farikullah supported the majority ruling, while Justice Abu Bakar Jais dissented. Earlier, defence counsel Datuk Rajpal Singh had urged the court to allow bail on medical grounds. He said Nithiyan suffers from ischemic heart disease, hypertension and dyslipidemia, which could lead to life-threatening cardiovascular failure without consistent treatment, while Hemanathan, who uses a wheelchair, suffers from diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and high cholesterol, and has not received consistent treatment in prison. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Siew Wee argued that both men had received necessary treatment and their conditions were under control. Hemanathan and Nithiyan were charged in the Sessions Court in May last year for being members of an organised crime "Geng TR" in Sunggai Janggut Seafood Restaurant in Jalan Bagan Sungai Janggut, Jeram, Selangor between November 2019 and May 2024. They were charged under Section 130V of the Penal Code, read together with the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma). Their case was transferred to the High Court in Aug last year, and the trial is fixed to begin in October next year. - Bernama
The Star
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sosma check on extremism
KUALA LUMPUR: Several suspects recently arrested for their involvement in extremism and militancy are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012, says Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. The Inspector-General of Police said they remained in custody for further investigation. 'Some have already been deported,' he said, adding that a press conference on the matter would be called in the near future. Mohd Khalid said this after the handover ceremony between Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department (CID) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, who has been transferred to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), and acting director Deputy Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus in Bukit Aman. DCP Fadil heads the Bukit Aman CID as its acting director. On Friday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that an operation had led to the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals for their involvement in radical militant activities. 'The security operation started on April 24 and was executed in three phases in Selangor and Johor. 'Intelligence efforts and actions from the Special Branch showed that this group was introducing the influence of the Islamic State ideology to Malaysia,' he said in a statement. In a farewell speech delivered yesterday, Comm Mohd Shuhaily noted that the first day of his new role, which takes effect today, holds special significance for him, coinciding with several pivotal moments in his life. 'July 1 holds particular significance for me, as it coincides with both my wife's birthday and the day I assumed the role of Penang police chief. 'This is certainly not a goodbye but a new hello from the new kid on the block,' he said. Comm Mohd Shuhaily expressed his intention to work closely with the police to improve border security and effectively carry out his new responsibilities. 'What I stated in Penang when I first assumed the role of CID director, I will also maintain in this new position,' he remarked, alluding to his well-received 'change or you will be changed' speech at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The IGP, meanwhile, paid tribute to Comm Mohd Shuhaily for his contributions and his leadership, especially in handling high-profile cases that had rocked the nation. 'I am confident that he will establish a lasting legacy of leadership within the AKPS. 'The doors of PDRM are always open if any cooperation is needed,' he added. Comm Mohd Shuhaily will serve a two-year term as AKPS director-general until June 30, 2027.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sosma used on several foreigners held recently for extremism, says IGP
KUALA LUMPUR: Some of the 36 foreigners arrested for suspected extremist and militant actions have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012, says Bukit Aman. 'There are those we have detained under Sosma and those we have already deported," Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said on Monday (June 30) after the handing over of duties ceremony between outgoing Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain and acting director Deputy Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus. ALSO READ: Cops nab 36 foreigners in anti-extremism operation "The rest are still under investigation. 'I will call for a press conference on this issue tomorrow,' he added. On Friday (June 27), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that an operation saw the arrest of 36 Bangladesh nationals who were allegedly involved in radical militant movements. "This planned security operation started on April 24 and was executed in three phases in Selangor and Johor. "Intelligence efforts and actions from the Special Branch showed that this group was bringing in the influence of the Islamic State ideology to this country," Saifuddin had said. It was reported that five suspects had been charged in Shah Alam and Johor Baru, 15 issued deportation orders, and 16 still under probe.
