Seven Somali nationals suspected of attempting to hijack a Malaysian chemical tanker were in detention in Malaysia Monday, awaiting charges, dpa reported.
The detainees arrived at Port Klang in western Malaysia and were brought to a local hospital for a medical examination before they were detained at a police station.
The suspects are part of a larger group of Somali nationals accused of involvement in the attack and attempted hijacking of a Malaysian-owned chemical tanker on January 21 in the Gulf of Aden.
Malaysian navy captured the suspects after a high-seas shoot out.
Police have said the suspects would be held in police custody until investigations into the incident are completed.
Government officials have yet to say what the men would be charged with, as this would be the first trial of Somali pirates in Malaysia.
The International Maritime Bureau said 28 vessels and 638 hostages remained held for ransom by Somali pirates as of December 2010.