BUKIT Aman has ruled out any link to terrorism in the missing radioactive-dispersal device (RDD) incident. 

Ayub Khan Mydin Pitchay said his unit had checked on both technicians, who were previously remanded, and found no links to militant activities.

“We have investigated the incident and the two men who were arrested and found no link to terrorism,” said the Special Branch counter-terrorism division principal assistant director.

“The case is now being handled by the criminal investigation department.”

The two men were thoroughly investigated, including having their personal devices scanned by forensic units.

Selangor CID chief Fadzil Ahmat confirmed that the device was missing. 

The inspector-general of police yesterday dropped a bombshell when he disclosed that the missing RDD was not the first time such a device had disappeared.

Fuzi Harun said a similar device disappeared last year and had yet to be recovered.

“The same thing happened last year, when a similar device went missing. The device is still missing. Nobody has found it,” Fuzi said.

However, he could not recall exactly when the incident occurred.

Authorities are frantically looking for the 23kg RDD, missing since August 10.

The device, an Industrial radiography equipment, contains the radioactive isotope iridium-192, which emits beta and gamma radiation as it decays during its estimated half-life of 73 days.

Fuzi said the two technicians transporting the device were released on bail after their statement was recorded.

“We are investigating it. We remanded two men, who were released on bail after we took their statements.

“The duo said the device went missing by accident. The device was not properly locked when it was transported,” he said.

Police and the Atomic Energy Licensing Board share the same concerns of it falling into the hands of terrorists or militants, or those who treat it as metal to be dismantled and sold for a quick buck.

The RDD has a market value of RM75,000. – August 21, 2018.