Anti-terrorism bill to fight militancy: Zahid

The Special Measures Against Terrorism in Foreign Countries Bill 2015 was drafted to curb and impose restrictions on individuals from going to the Islamic State (IS) conflict area supposedly in the name of jihad.

Home Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the travel restrictions is to prevent Malaysia from being a country or transit point for the IS terrorist group apart from thwarting Malaysians from joining any terrorist group abroad.

"The special measures in this bill is aligned with the approach taken by Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and several countries in Europe," he said when tabling the bill for the second reading at the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Ahmad Zahid said among the key elements is Clause 3 of the Bill to enable Malaysia to use extra-territorial powers based on international law principles relating to any offences under the Act.

The bill was vital based on the international nature of IS threats faced by Malaysians in the country and abroad, he said.

"IS group has the tendency of exploiting any weaknesses in Malaysia's security and defence, border area and the Immigration Department.

"The IS group is focusing on Malaysia as a country for their activities, but they are also trying to attract Malaysians abroad to join them," he said.

Meanwhile, under Clause 5 of the bill, it was proposed the Immigration director-general be given the authorisation to suspend or revoke all travel documents issued to Malaysians who were involved or supporting any foreign terrorist groups.

Zahid said in Clause 6 and 7 of the bill, the minister might order the surrender of a person's foreign travel documents who was suspected to be involved in any terrorist group.