The Counter Terrorism Division of the Police Special Branch in Bukit Aman detained nine individuals believed to be involved in militant activities within and outside the country.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said all of them were detained in Kedah and Selangor, today.

He said all of them who were detained in a simultaneous operation at several locations in the two states were aged between 22 and 55.

"All the individuals concerned are suspected of being involved in a militant group responsible for planning violent activities in the country as well as abroad.

"They are also suspected of having links with terrorist groups operating outside the country," he said in a statement, here today.

He said some of the individuals who were detained had held secret meetings to strengthen the militant ideology.

Khalid said besides strengthening the militant ideology, the individuals concerned were also found to be amassing funds and carrying out military-style training as a preparation to carry out violent activities.

He said they were detained under Chapter VI A - Offences Relating To Terrorism and the Penal Code (Act 574).

"And they will be investigated according to the procedures under the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012 (Act 747)," he said.