Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai today said he foresees the emergence of a 'second wave of terrorism' in the region following the US-led invasion o­n Iraq.

"Even if the war ends today, the post-war impact, especially the anger of the extremist groups will not change.

"It will invite new threats from the extreme and militant groups," he said in an exclusive interview with Mingguan Malaysia.

He warned that the repercussions would be worse if the war in Iraq and the conflicts in West-Asia continued.

"I think the current political developments will heighten the spirit and the dissatisfaction which in turn could encourage militant activities, especially the emergence of new extremist groups.

"The war o­n Iraq which caused suffering to innocent people will encourage them (the militant groups) to plan retaliatory actions," he said.

Terror targets

However, the police chief said Malaysia was not targetted by these groups.

On whether Singapore and Phillipines could become targets for supporting the war, he said that at this point he did not think so.

"If they (terrorist groups) want to, their choice would be countries which are involved directly in the war, rather than targeting countries which o­nly supported the war.

Norian also said the war would lead to unemployment and this in turn will see an increase in crime rates.

Malaysia has detained scores of individuals under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for their alleged activities in the Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM).

The group is said to be linked to a regional terror network called Jemaah Islamiah, which has connections to Osama bin Laden's al-qaeda.