KUALA LUMPUR: Those detained for suspected involvement in terrorism will be made to wear the Electronic Monitoring Device (EMD) beginning July under the newly-passed Prevention of Terrorism Bill, Dewan Negara was told today.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said 107 people have so far been detained for their links with militant groups.
The new law, he said, stated that EMD is used to allow those detained to be released while being put under surveillance by the authorities.
"The device may also be used on those convicted under Prevention of Crime Act (Poca). The usage of EMD is already a practice in several countries.
"Lately, the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group is getting bolder despite the new laws tabled, with plans to attack strategic locations in the country were being laid out.
"This is learnt through police and investigations on the 12 people arrested (for planned attacks on Malaysia) recently. For the future of the nation, I assure that the authorities are carrying out thorough investigations to ensure that Malaysia is free from threats by the militant movement," he said in responding to Senator Datin Rahimah Mahamad who was asking for assurance the Prevention of Terrorism Bill would be able to address the terrorist threats including IS that was actively recruiting foreign nationals including Malaysians.
Zahid said EMD would be adorned on the person's ankle.
"It will be worn within a stipulated time and if they (detainees) attempt to cut or discard the device, we will be alerted immediately and are able to track them," he said, adding that the operation of device was outsourced to a supplier company.