(AFP) Security will be tightened on the border with Thailand to prevent weapons from being smuggled into the country, a report said today.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was quoted by Mingguan Malaysia as saying that the government suspects a large number of arms are being brought in from Thailand.

The authorities believe that the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM)had purchased weapons from Thailand, he said.

"We impose tight border checks ... but the smugglers are smart, they are able to smuggle (arms to Malaysia)," he said.

Terrorism centre

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently warned that Malaysia was seen as a new centre for terrorism and said foreigners were concerned about rising militant activities in the country.

Ten alleged members of the KMM, including seven PAS members were detained last month under the Internal Security Act which allows detention without trial.

Also detained was PAS spiritul leader and Kelantan Mentri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's son. Police claim that Nik Aziz's son, a 34-year-old religious school teacher, was the ringleader of the group.

Police also linked the KMM to another 'militant' group said to be responsible for a spate of armed robberies, the murder of a politician and the bombings of a Church and Hindu temple.

However, PAS claims the government was trying to label its members as militant extremists to curb the party's appeal among the Malays.