The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have detained 12 locals linked to the so-called IS group of militants on suspicion of plotting to launch attacks on strategic and important targets in the Klang Valley.

In a statement here, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division nabbed the suspects - believed to be members of a terror cell - on Saturday and Sunday in Hulu Langat and Cheras.

The suspects are aged between 17 and 41.

"The plan to launch the attacks by members of the terror cell was in response to a call by the senior leaders of the IS in Syria.

"Their aim was to launch attacks on secular Islamic national interests which they claim to be their enemies, and a reaction to the (police) operations to nab those suspected to be involved with the IS," said Khalid.

IS suspects
Some of the suspects being nabbed in Hulu Langat on Sunday


IS suspects
The items seized from the suspects