BAGAN DATUK: A special detention centre to rehabilitate and de-radicalise terrorists is being set up at the Kamunting Detention Centre in Taiping, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Sunday.
"Modifications are being carried out at the centre to accommodate the de-radicalisation programme.
“Concerns were raised over all those arrested for terrorism being sent there. (But) I assure (all) that this will not affect (and influence) the constituents (of Taiping).
"We are also monitoring prisoners and wardens for terrorism elements through consultation processes and cell isolation," Zahid told a press conference at an event in Hutan Melintang.
The announcement follows the discovery that two former prisoners of Tapah prison had been active in recruiting members to terror groups while serving time under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
"They were planning to create social unrest and disrupt harmony by attacking places of worship.
"Seven wardens from various prisons nationwide were also identified (as being involved in terror recruitment activities) and are currently undergoing rehabilitation under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota)," said Zahid, who is also Home Minister.
It was reported that the two men, aged 53 and 37, were detained during an anti-terror operation earlier this month, along with a 35-year-old Albanian lecturer with links to Islamic State.
Eight Abu Sayyaf terrorists were arrested in an earlier operation for plotting attacks during the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.