Human rights watchdog Suaram has asked the Johor police to reveal details of the two men detained under the ISA for allegedly spreading rumours of a racial riot in the state last week.

The duo, aged 25 and 29, were detained under the ISA last Wednesday for allegedly spreading rumours that racial riots were taking place in Pasir Gudang and Masai in Johor Bahru.

They have been remanded for seven and six days respectively to help with investigations. Four other men have been arrested for sedition.

"We take these ISA arrests seriously (as they) are tyrannical and cruel. There must be sufficient evidence and facts before someone is arrested," Suaram wrote a letter addressed to Johor police chief Hussein Ismail.

The letter, signed by Suaram Johor co-ordinator Nyam Kee Han ( photo ), was handed over at the police contingent headquarters in Johor Bahru today.

Apart from seeking details of the two detainees, the letter further asked that they be allowed access to lawyers.

"These are questions that the police need to answer. We're giving them two weeks to reply," said Nyam when contacted today.

Security beefed up

PAS Pasir Gudang Youth chief Syed Othman Syed Abdullah said security in Taman Cendana, the alleged location of a racial fight two weeks ago, has been strengthened.

Local community leaders met with Johor deputy police chief Roslan Zainuddin last Saturday, during which a security briefing was given.

"Some residents are still worried to come out, especially the Indians," Syed said when contacted today.

"The police have put up road blocks. This has helped calm the situation, although it is not entirely safe yet."

He said Pasir Gudang's population of at least 10,000 people, mainly comprising Malays, while the remaining are Indians and foreign workers.

"There are factory workers, company workers, Bangladeshis, Nepalese, all mixed together. Social problems are high," said Syed, adding that a recent rape case had heightened tensions in the community.

Early last month, police arrested six youths for the alleged gang rape of a 30-year-old woman in Pasir Gudang. The suspects aged 12-19 - the youngest has since been released while the rest have been charged in court.

Last week, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi denied there were racial riots in Pasir Gudang saying the SMS tex-messages were "lies, lies and nothing more than lies".

Related report: Rumour strikes fear in Johor townships