Police stations and army camps were believed to be among the targets of 17 individuals who were detained by police on Sunday.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the objective was believed to be to obtain firearms.

He said the individuals, aged 14 to 44, were also suspected to be planning to kidnap several high profile individuals.

"They were also planning to make bombs as detailed notes were found which were obtained from Imam Samudera of Indonesia," he said when winding up the debate on the Bill on the Prevention Of Terrorism Act (POTA) in the Dewan Rakyat Monday.

READ: Police arrests 17 for suspected militant attacks in Kuala Lumpur

Ahmad Zahid said among those detained was a former member of Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia, a former ISA detainee and those who had undergone military training in Afghanistan and Sulawesi.

He said two of the detainees were soldiers, two students, one security guard and two wiremen.

"This is a real threat and preventive measures must be carried out," he said.