Malaysian militants bought bomb material to plan attack

KUALA LUMPUR - Suspected Malaysian militants loyal to the extremist Islamic State movement bought bomb-making material ahead of a proposed attack on a Carlsberg brewery near the capital Kuala Lumpur, a top anti-terrorism official said.

The plan, which the official said was at a "discussion" stage, would be the first time Southeast Asian militants inspired by Islamic State's rise have sought to launch a major attack at home, adding to officials' fears of a domestic "blowback" from Islamic State's expansion in Syria and Iraq.

Ayob Khan Mydin, the police counter-terrorism division's deputy chief, told Reuters that the group of 19 suspected militants had attained aluminum powder, which is often used as an ingredient in bombs.

"In terms of ideology and intention it was very clear," Ayob Khan said in an interview. "It would have been carried out."

The group, seven of whom have been charged under anti-terrorism and weapons laws, had discussed bombing the Danish beer-maker's factory in Petaling Jaya on the outskirts of the capital as well as other targets such as pubs, Ayob Khan said.

Alcohol is forbidden under Islamic rules, but is widely available in Muslim-majority Malaysia.

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia said in a response to Reuters' questions that it had taken "necessary steps to ensure security at our premises, as employee safety is a priority".

Ayob Khan said that 12 of the suspects had to be released due to lack of evidence tying them to specific plans for an attack or to join the banned Islamic State.

Islamic State's sweep through northern Iraq, bringing it close to Baghdad and in control of the second city, Mosul, has energized radical Muslim followers in Malaysia and Indonesia, partly due to teachings that "the final battle" would take place in the greater Syrian region.

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