Malaysia's peace has made the country the target of terrorist groups in their efforts to seek the support of the Muslim community here, to recruit new members and spread violence in Southeast Asia.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said effective prevention strategy of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) had thwarted attempts by terrorist groups to make Malaysia a gauge in determining the spread of terrorism in this region.

"Proof of this is the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in which the police managed to maintain the peace without any incidents of violence in the country.

"Praise should be given to the police for doing a very good because of our experience in fighting the Southeast Asia Al-Qaeda group sometime ago," he told reporters after a working visit here, Tuesday.

On October 10, the police arrested three people including school students suspected of involvement in terrorist activities.

Nur Jazlan said the police are doubling efforts in the monitoring of terrorist groups who are trying to enter the country for weapons and bomb making and that it is a continuing process.

- BERNAMA