Malaysian student in Egypt charged with joining Al-Qaeda militant group

A Malaysian college student in Egypt has become the first person to be charged in court with supporting a terrorist group under Al-Qaeda.

Mohamad Hidayat Azman, 19, a student of Kolej Markaz Salam, Hayyu Asyir, Cairo is alleged to have entered Syria and become a member of the Jund Al Aqsa terrorist group.

He was charged with committing the offence by taking a flight from KL International Airport (KLIA) to Syria on Sept 5, 2014.

Mohamad Hidayat, who was unrepresented, nodded after the charge was read before Sessions Court Judge Noor Hafizah Mohd Salim.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin prosecuted.

No plea was recorded from Mohamad Hidayat, who was charged under Section 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code since the case is under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

If convicted, Mohamad Hidayat could be jailed for life or not more than 30 years or a fine while property intended to be used while committing the offence could be forfeited.

The court fixed Jan 28, 2016 for mention of the case.

Mohamad Hidayat, who was from Kuala Bagan Tiang, Tanjung Piandang, Perak was arrested on Dec 7 by the Police Counter Terrorism Division upon arrival at KLIA from Egypt.