Malaysia concerned about radioactive handmade bombs

1/3/2018 - 10:11:44 AM

Malaysian authorities are worrying about an attempt to build bombs using radioactive materials by fighters and supporters of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

Illustrative image (Source: Pixabay)

The concern is gaining ground as local police, in recent years, have recorded no less than 20 cases involving missing radioactive and nuclear materials, of which many are yet to be found.

The Royal Malaysia Police’s special branch counterterrorism division is working with the police’s Criminal Investigation Department to trace the missing materials.

Fears over security threats in Southeast Asia have mounted up since 2016 when Indonesian security forces foiled an attempt by militants to detonate a radioactive dirty bomb.

Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) Director-General Hamrah Mohd Ali cautioned the authorities against underestimating terrorists’ knowledge and capabilities in making bombs from radioactive and nuclear materials.

He said the AELB has equipped local ports and main entry points with radioactive detectors. Cargos containing radioactive or nuclear materials will be sent back, he added.

Source: VNA

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