Malaysia's reliance on the preventive detention law Internal Security Act (ISA) has limited its effectiveness in identifying terrorist networks, says a report produced by the United States Department of State.

According to the Country Reports on Terrorism 2010 , the detention of suspects in Malaysia is on the basis of intelligence gathered, rather than on information gained through investigations.

“The Malaysian government continued to use the ISA as a preventive measure instead of investigating cases,” it says.

The reports says that while Malaysia's immigration authorities do vet the arrival of travellers, it has to tighten border controls.

“Malaysia remains vulnerable to potential terrorist activity as a result of weak border controls and gaps in maritime security in the areas bordering Thailand and the Philippines, and Indonesia in eastern Malaysia,” the report states.

“Persons with terrorist affiliations were able to take advantage of these weak controls to travel within Malaysia and to transit to third countries.”

The report notes that Malaysia has been used as a transit and planning site for terrorists.

It adds that the Malaysian police have cooperated closely with the international community on counter-terrorism efforts, and its officers received training in a range of counter-terrorism skills.”

According to the report, while Malaysia has improved its legislative framework to criminalise terrorist financing, there have been no investigations, prosecutions or convictions related to terrorist financing so far.

    

Terrorist attacks on Hindu, Buddhist temples

The report also notes that in 2010, there was an incident where police detained 10 persons reportedly involved in a plot to carry out terrorist attacks on Hindu and Buddhist temples in Kuala Lumpur.

mas selamat alleged jemaah islamiyah terrorist leader 080509 In February, 2010, two Malaysians were kidnapped in Sabah by members of the Abu Sayyaf group and taken to the Philippines, where they were held for ransom. The two were subsequently rescued in late December by the Philippine armed forces.

In September, Malaysian authorities extradited known terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari ( right ) to Singapore, from where he had escaped from prison in 2008.

The report also expresses concern over recruiting activities in Malaysian universities, saying there has to be greater vigilance in scrutinising foreign students.