11 Malaysians died as members of IS militant group

Eleven Malaysians found to have been involved in the so-called IS group of militants are dead, including six suicide bombers.

Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division senior assistant director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said however, some of the bodies could not be brought home as they were in Syria while others were involved in suicide bombings in Iraq.

He was speaking to reporters after tabling a working paper titled, 'The Threat of the Islamic State (IS) Group Against The Nation' here today.

Also attending the event was Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad.

Ayob Khan said IS exploited certain terms for suicide bombers to legitimise suicide using bombs.

"They change the terms and harp on martyrdom and purportedly, those involved will die a martyr's death," he said, adding that 80 Malaysians had joined IS, thus far.

"The figure may go up. IS is a unique terrorist group in the manner they recruit members and others.

"They also exploit women. Many who were influenced into joining IS became sex slaves," he noted.

In addition, said Ayob Khan, IS was adept at exploiting the social media such as Facebook, Twitter and also YouTube to disseminate propaganda.

"They have thousands of cyber troopers who will respond to whatever statements on IS in the media, other than making documentaries and much more."