THE Masjid India area in the heart of Kuala Lumpur today was swarmed with men in blue as Malaysia steps up its preparation for the 29th Sea Games at the end of this month.

Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division head Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said about 200 officers from the counter terrorism, Immigration special task force and National Registration Department took part in the operation.

“The operation today is the first of many that we are going to conduct in conjunction with the Sea Games. Focus will be on the Klang Valley and states hosting the games,” said Ayob.

The other states are Kedah and Terengganu.

Today’s operation was aimed at weeding out threats, including terror elements, from the area.

The enforcement team today was equipped with 111 devices loaned by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) to sniff out radioactive elements.

Counter-terror experts said items with high radioactive levels can be used as a weapon by terrorists, especially large areas.

The enforcement team also raided a condominium in Masjid India whose tenants were mostly foreigners.

The area is also a shopping heaven for locals and tourists and heavily populated by Pakistanis. Bangladeshi and Indian workers – both legal and illegal – also like to congregate there.

“We are going through all the floors to check on possible threats,” Ayob said.

A total of 257 foreigners were detained and taken to Bukit Aman for screening.

Malaysia is on high alert for the regional sporting event. Ayob added that Malaysia has deported 40 foreigners with links to terror activities or groups since 2013.

A total of 275 foreigners from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Myanmar, Oman, Yemen, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Nigeria and  Sri Lanka were detained.

The detainees will go through a screening process based on the Interpol’s foreign fighters’ terrorist list, SB database, NRD and the Immigration database. Ayob said the screening process is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by midnight. – August 6, 2017.