Malaysia's top counter-terrorism cop Ayob Khan has received a death threat from terrorist group Islamic State (IS) militant Muhamad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi.

The Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division head received the death threat through a phone call from the terrorist personally, reported The Star Online.

Ayob purportedly received the threat for his involvement in fighting terrorism and for detaining Muhamad Wanndy's older brother in May.

He is among several Malaysian leaders, including inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, who are purportedly on IS' target list.

Ayob said IS has labelled government institutions as thagut (those who have crossed religious boundaries) and have made them their main targets.

“They are regarding us as supportive of ‘thagut’ and want to attack us first, followed by the non-Muslims in the country,” he said.

Police officers, especially those involved in anti-terrorism, have been placed on the list of main targets for supporting thagut leaders, he said.

However, Ayob said he is undaunted by the death threat and will continue fighting terrorism within the country.

“We have managed to quell nine plots targeting certain institutions and public areas, so far.

“This will be continued without any fear of any parties linked to terror groups,” he said.

Ayob revealed that 213 individuals, including 27 foreigners, have been detained to facilitate investigations into suspected links with terror groups.

He said Kedah and Perak topped the list with 30 arrests each, Kuala Lumpur (28), Johor (19), Selangor (17), Negri Sembilan (13), Kelantan (11), Pahang and Terengganu (eight each), Sabah and Malacca (six each), Penang and Perlis (four each) and Sarawak (two).

Labuan has had zero arrest so far.