Kedah police are gathering strong evidence before taking action against madrasahs (private religious schools) in the state involved in militant activities, said state police chief Datuk Zamri Yahya.
Among the private religious schools being monitored include Madrasah Nurul Hidayah in Kuala Ketil, which was jointly founded by Lotfi Ariffin who was killed fighting for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group.
"We are gathering stronger evidence first and are waiting for a suitable time to act against militant activities at madrasahs," he told reporters after handing over a Police Patrol Vehicle at the Kedah police contingent headquarters here today.
Lotfi Ariffin, who was a former Kedah Pas information chief and was once detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), was killed in an ambush by the Syrian army last year.
According to Zamri, police were working with the Kedah Islamic Religious Council (MAIK) in monitoring and eradicating militant activities in the state.
The Kedah police chief said at the moment, police have not called up or met any family members or relatives of Lotfi for questioning.
He also said information collected would enable police investigate and take action to eradicate activities disseminated by various means.
Apart from that, he said parents had also been told to lodge police reports immediately should they find their children who are studying in madrasahs showing interest in militant activities.
According to him, Kedah police would be meeting with mosque and madrasah committee members in the state to check the spread of militant teachings.
Last week, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police would be monitoring closely all private religious schools in the country to ensure militant ideology does not take root here.
This came in the wake of the New York Times on Jan 14 featuring a video clip entitled 'The Jihadist in Our Family' on its interview with the family of Lofti in Kuala Ketil.
Bernama
Tue Jan 20 2015
A file photo of Lotfi in Syria when he was fighting for ISIS. The Madrasah Nurul Hidayah in Kuala Ketil, which was jointly founded by Lotfi, is currently being monitored by police for suspected militant teachings.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.