47 Malaysians involved with Daish in Syria, Iraq

A total of 47 Malaysians currently in Syria and Iraq are involved with the Daish militant group, said Bukit Aman Police Special Branch director Datuk Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

He said they comprised 30 men, nine women and eight children, all of whom were among 72 people involved with Daish, prior to this.

"Of the 72 linked to the militant group, 18 were reportedly killed while with Daish in Syria, while seven others died as suicide bombers last year.

"Some of those involved in militant activities were arrested and charged in court," he told Bernama in a recent interview.

Mohamad Fuzi said the police took measures to curb the spread of Daish ideology by collaborating with the Immigration Department, KL International Airport (KLIA) and Interpol to monitor the country's entry points.

"If they (Daish militants) return to their country of origin via KLIA, they will be arrested immediately, and if they use other means, the police have the mechanism to detect them," he said.

He added that the police had the profile of the families of suspected Daish militants and were constantly monitoring them closely.

Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia lecturer in Islamic Studies and Political Science, Dr Ahmad El Muhammady said many people, especially those in rural areas were not wary of the Daish threat.

"The government should organise programmes in rural areas to motivate and brief them on the threat posed by Daish militants," he said.