Police arrest 14-year-old girl on way to join IS

The police arrested a 14-year-old female student Tuesday afternoon as she was about to fly off to join the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Syria.

The girl was held at the KL International Airport (KLIA) as she tried to leave the country to Syria via Egypt, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said today.

"The girl was influenced to join the militant group after interacting with two individuals on Facebook.

"She wanted to go and 'jihad' by herself in Syria after being influenced by propaganda on Facebook," he said.

Khalid said the police believed she had a friend or contact who was waiting for her in Egypt.

It is believed the suspect was planning to marry a Malaysian citizen who is studying in Egypt, before sneaking her way into Syria.

The suspect from Muar, Johor is a student of a tahfiz school in Shah Alam.

"The police are conducting an investigation to trace the mastermind in the case and to ascertain how the student secured the flight ticket and expenses to travel there (Syria)," he told newsmen at the 'Balik Kampung' drive home safely campaign at the Jalan Duta Toll Plaza here.

The campaign is held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

As for the girl, she is being remanded under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

Khalid advised parents to constantly monitor their children's activities to prevent them from being influenced by forces that could destroy their future.