The 11 individuals recently arrested for suspected involvement in militant activities were allegedly trying to recruit Malaysians to become suicide bombers overseas, the nation’s top cop claimed today.

“If they want to go (become militants), go, but do not threaten the safety of the country,” inspector-general or police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar said during a press conference this afternoon.

"Don’t recruit our young as suicide bombers.

“If they (recruiters) want a sacrifice, they can sacrifice themselves,” he said.

Khalid said police detained the individuals as their activities "threatened the security of the nation and people".

Asked for details of the said threat, Khalid declined to comment, stating that the matter was under police investigation.

"When there are such elements (of threats to the nation), we will act.

"They use all kinds of methods. There is no need for me to go into details because this is still under investigation," he said.

Khalid advised youths not to be influenced by such attempts by similar groups to recruit them.

Up to yesterday, police have detained a total of 11 suspected militants under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said police are still hunting for more suspects who are believed to be linked to the recruitment for militant activities.

'Kidnapped duo still safe'

On a separate matter, Khalid said police are working closely with China and the Philippines to ensure the safety of their citizens who were kidnapped from Semporna.

A Chinese tourist and a Filipino worker were snatched by gunmen on boats from Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort, off the coast of Semporna on April 2 and were believed to have been taken back to Southern Philippines.

"The latest development I received from our Filipino counterparts is that the victims are safe and we are doing our best to ensure they continue remaining safe," he said.