The government confirmed today it has detained an Indonesian terrorist suspect linked to the Jemaah Islamiah outfit, and will deport him as soon as possible.

Police chief Ismail Omar said that suspected militant, Fadli Sadama, was being held under internal security laws which allow for detention without trial, and would be handed over to Indonesian authorities.

"We will hand over the detainee as soon as possible," he told reporters, adding that police were sorting out "technical and administrative issues" surrounding the deportation.

Reports in Malaysia have said that Sadama was arrested on Oct 13 while travelling to Johor by bus in possession of two revolvers.

Sadama is believed to be linked to a group suspected of killing a police officer in a spectacular bank robbery in the Indonesian city of Medan in August. The proceeds were believed to be intended for funding terrorist attacks.

The group is also connected to militants who were discovered training in Aceh province, northern Sumatra, in February, leading to the killing and arrest of scores of suspects.

Not a sign of new terrorist cell

Ismail, speaking after meeting visiting Indonesian police chief Timur Pradopo, said the arrest of Sadama was not an indication that Malaysia is battling a new terrorist cell operating on its territory.

"It's under control. The latest arrest is not a sign (of a new cell). We have been looking for the suspect for a long time," he said, hailing "strong collaboration" between the two countries.

Robberies have been a source of funds for Islamist militants in Indonesia, which has been rocked by several deadly terrorist attacks including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mainly Western tourists.

- AFP