Malaysia arrests 17 suspected terrorists.

The number of people accused of supporting the Islamic State (IS) organization who have been arrested since last year is 92.

A Malaysian police official said today (April 6) that 17 suspects have been arrested on charges of plotting terrorist acts in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said 17 suspects were arrested last Sunday. On his Twitter account, Khalid wrote that two of them had recently returned from Syria. He did not provide further details, and a police official said a statement would be released later.

Malaysian police maintain security at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (AFP photo).

The arrest of these 17 suspects brings the total number of people believed to be supporters of the Islamic State (IS) organization arrested in Malaysia since last year to 92.

The recent arrests occurred just days after the Home Office proposed two new anti-terrorism bills that would allow suspects to be detained indefinitely without trial, and also permit the confiscation of passports from anyone suspected of supporting terrorist acts.

Critics have accused the move of repeating a controversial security law that was repealed in 2012 and warned that the two proposed new laws could infringe on civil liberties.

Opposition MP Nurul Izzah Anwar said in a statement that the new laws could be exploited against political opponents.

The Counterterrorism Act would allow authorities to detain suspects indefinitely without trial and decisions would not have to go to court. The Special Measures Act on Counterterrorism Abroad empowers authorities to suspend or revoke the travel documents of any citizen or foreign national suspected of participating in or supporting terrorist acts.

Other provisions in the two bills also propose increased penalties for acts of terrorism, including up to 30 years in prison for those who receive terrorist training or instruction.

The bills will be debated in the Malaysian Parliament this week.

According to VOV