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Malay Mail
04-07-2025
- Malay Mail
IGP: Malaysia risks becoming terror transit hub as IS-linked Bangladeshis recruit migrant workers via social media
A group of Bangladeshi nationals linked to IS used social media and messaging apps to spread extremist ideology and recruit members from Malaysia's migrant worker community. Police uncovered the group's use of labour sectors for recruitment, mobile payment apps for funding militant activities, and secret meetings to organise cells and spread influence. Authorities have identified up to 150 individuals involved, with actions ranging from repatriation to legal prosecution, amid concerns Malaysia could become a transit hub for foreign militants. KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — A group of Bangladeshi nationals linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group used social media platforms to spread propaganda and recruit members from within Malaysia's migrant worker community, said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail today. He said the police's special branch first detected the group through a number of Facebook accounts actively sharing IS-related content, all traced back to internet protocol (IP) addresses originating in Malaysia. 'Based on intelligence, the group's modus operandi involved several strategic approaches. First, they recruited members through labour sectors, including factories, construction sites, and petrol stations, targeting the Bangladeshi community working in Malaysia. 'Second, they used social media platforms such as Facebook as a medium to spread radical and extremist ideologies, in turn attracting more supporters. 'Third, messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram were widely used to circulate propaganda, coordinate processes, and organise activities in secret, including ta'lim sessions (religious instruction) and member meetings,' he said in a press conference at Bukit Aman here. The aim of the recruitment, Khalid said, was to enlist members to fight in Syria or for the IS, and to raise funds to be channelled to Syria, IS networks, and Bangladesh. 'The group also raised funds to support militant activities using mobile payment applications such as Touch 'n Go and bKash, as well as international money transfer services,' he said. Khalid said members paid RM500 annually to the Bangladesh 'radical militant movement' in membership fees. The police also have detected between 100 and 150 individuals who are involved in the WhatsApp group. 'As for those with minimal involvement, we will take appropriate action and repatriate them to their home country. For those deeply involved, we will take legal action and charge them under our national laws,' he added. He said individuals who pledged the 'baiah', or oath of allegiance, online were then made responsible for leading new cells established in certain areas, with the aim of expanding the group's influence and operations. 'In addition, recruitment was carried out in phases, beginning with a vetting process and progressing towards the formation of more elite members,' he added. Khalid said the security implication for Malaysia is that the country was at risk of becoming a logistics and transit hub for foreign militants, which could tarnish the country's image by associating it with radical elements. 'This is our main concern. The infiltration of extremist ideologies within migrant communities, which are difficult to detect, could lead to subversive activities carried out covertly. 'If left unaddressed, this issue may affect Malaysia's international standing and diplomatic relations in the region. Therefore, the police would like to emphasise that national security is our highest priority and will not be compromised under any circumstances,' he said. Last week, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the police arrested 36 Bangladesh citizens this week, who were found to be directly involved in a 'radical militant movement' centred on extremist beliefs and terrorism ideology. Saifuddin said the police's planned security operations had started from April 24 with three phases of arrests in Selangor and Johor.
Malay Mail
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sultan Ibrahim meets new IGP Mohd Khalid in JB
JOHOR BARU, June 29 – His Majesty the King, Sultan Ibrahim, today granted an audience to newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. The King's Facebook page indicated that the meeting took place in Johor Baru, with Johor Police Chief Datuk M Kumar also in attendance. Sultan Ibrahim also serves as the Honorary Commissioner of the Royal Malaysia Police. Earlier this month, Mohd Khalid was appointed as the 15th IGP on a two-year contract beginning June 23, 2025. Prior to his new appointment, the 60-year-old served as director of the Special Branch and retired on April 8 but was reappointed on a contract basis from that date until now. He replaced Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who stepped down from the post after a two-year term.
Malay Mail
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Mohd Khalid officially takes helm as Malaysia's 15th IGP
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 — Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail officially began his duties today as the 15th Inspector-General of Police (IGP), taking over from Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who has retired. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) announced that Mohd Khalid arrived at the police headquarters in Bukit Aman in an official vehicle and received a 'Guard Turn Out' honour from the Camp Commandant Branch, signaling the start of a new era in the force's top leadership. According to PDRM, he was greeted by Management Director Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Majid, Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, and acting Commercial Crime Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Sri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali upon his arrival. 'Mohd Khalid was then escorted to the 31st floor to sign his appointment document as a symbolic start to his duties. 'The ceremony was also graced with a prayer led by Bukit Aman's Integrity and Standard Compliance Department Deputy Director (Religion and Counselling), Datuk Azhan Abdul Halim,' the PDRM stated in a Facebook post. — Bernama
Malay Mail
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Police slam ‘irresponsible, damaging' report linking new IGP Mohd Khalid to PKR, say won't tolerate attempt to undermine force
KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 – The police have today refuted a report by Malay daily Sinar Harian linking newly appointed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Mohd Ismail to a political party. In a statement, the police criticised the media outlet for failing to verify the information before publication, calling the report irresponsible and damaging to the reputation of both the police force and the individual concerned. 'Journalistic ethics demand that all published reports undergo fact-checking, cross-verification, and uphold integrity in reporting,' the police force's secretary Datuk Kamaruzaman Abdullah said. The statement emphasised that the police force operates on the principles of neutrality, integrity, and professionalism. They reiterated that Mohd Khalid has never been a member of, or held any position in, any political party as alleged in the article. 'The statement is false, misleading, and creates a negative perception that casts doubt on the credibility of the national security force,' they said. Kamaruzaman added that the police would not tolerate any attempts to undermine public trust in its officers or operations. Yesterday, PKR has clarified that Mohd Khalid has never been a member of PKR, let alone held any position within the party. PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said that the circulation of an inaccurate profile linking the IGP to a political party could undermine his image and credibility. She added that it could also fuel negative perceptions of PKR as the ruling party if members of the public believe that Mohd Khalid's appointment was politically motivated. Mohd Khalid — who succeeded Tan Sri Razarudin Husein — began his policing career in 1987 and has served in various key roles including deputy director of Special Branch, the police intelligence division, and as security liaison officer in London. Prior to his new appointment, the 60-year-old served as director of the Special Branch and retired on April 8 but was reappointed on a contract basis from that date until now.
Malay Mail
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Ex-Special Branch chief Khalid Ismail is new IGP, succeeding Razarudin
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail has been appointed as the new Inspector-General of Police on a two-year contract beginning June 23, 2025. The announcement was made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail who said the appointment has the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister and the recommendation of the Police Force Commission. In a media statement, Saifuddin Nasution said that Mohd Khalid 'possesses the competency and strong leadership qualities to ensure continuity and assume the responsibilities of leading the Royal Malaysia Police'. Mohd Khalid began his policing career in 1987 and has served in various key roles including deputy director of Special Branch, the police intelligence division, and as security liaison officer in London. Prior to his new appointment, the 60-year-old served as director of the Special Branch and retired on April 8 but was reappointed on a contract basis from that date until now. Saifuddin Abdullah congratulated Mohd Khalid on his appointment. Incumbent IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain steps down from the post today after a two-year term. He succeeded Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani. Razarudin's handover ceremony and farewell parade is scheduled for today at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training Centre on Jalan Semarak.
