Dewan Negara: Threat posed by IS similar to JI, Al-Qaeeda's - Wan Junaidi

The threats posed by the militant groups Islamic State (IS), Jemaah Islamiah (JI) and Al-Qaeeda are similar and have a major impact on national security, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the activities of these groups should be viewed seriously as they had the same objective of forming an Islamic state in a radical way.

"I want to say that the Jemaah Islamiah and Al-Qaeeda have similar objectives as the IS terrorist group, which is to form an Islamic nation in their radical ways.

"What is worrying is that they show their support by taking a vow and fighting in the same way as the IS terrorist group, which is through cruel and inhumane actions," he said.

Wan Junaidi was replying to a question from Senator Norliza Abdul Rahim.

Norliza had wanted to know the extent of the IS threat in the country and how it compared to the threats posed by Jemaah Islamiah and Al-Qaeeda.

Wan Junaidi said the police were relentlessly tracking down anyone involved in any kind of military activity so as to maintain peace in the country.

He said that as of Nov 25, forty-five individuals had been detained in the country for involvement with IS militant activities