KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A total of 14 suspected Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants, including a woman, were detained in several raids in five Malaysian states.

The 14 were picked up by the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division in Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Penang and Sabah between July 14 and July 20.

A total of 12 of those detained belonged to the same cell and were suspected of taking orders from known militant Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi to launch attacks in Malaysia.

Police also seized a 1kg improvised explosive device (IED) in Sungai Buloh, Selangor.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said one of the suspects confessed to sharing knowledge of how to make an IED with other militants through the Telegram application.

"He also claimed to receive orders from Muhammad Wanndy to make an IED for attacks in the Klang Valley. Muhammad Wandy also promised to supply him with a pistol to defend himself against the police," he said in a statement on Saturday (July 23).

He added that a 49-year-old suspect, who was arrested in Kedah was a senior ISIS member who was active in recruiting members through secret "usrah"(talks) in Sik, Kedah.

"One of his recruits is Abu Ghani Yaacob @ Abu Kedah who was killed in Syria on April 17.

He also said that a 43-year-old woman arrested in Perak was active in promoting ISIS propaganda and was planning to go to the southern Philippines with the help of known fugitive militant Dr Mahmud Ahmad.

The latest arrests were follow up counter-terrorism operations after two militants responsible for a bombing at the Movida night club in Puchong, Selangor were detained along with 13 other militants on June 28 and July 1.