12 hours ago
36 held in extremism crackdown
PETALING JAYA: Police operations have led to the arrest of 36 Bangladesh nationals for their involvement in militancy, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said the security operation started on April 24 and was executed in three phases in Selangor and Johor.
'Intelligence efforts and actions from Special Branch showed that the group was bringing in the influence of Islamic State ideology to Malaysia,' he said in a statement yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said five of the suspects had been charged in Shah Alam and Johor Baru, while 15 others were issued deportation orders.
Another 16 suspects are still being investigated for their roles in the militant movement.
He added that the group had created a recruitment cell within their community to indoctrinate their radical beliefs, collect funds for terrorist operations and to topple the government in their home country.
'I would like to emphasise that Malaysia will not become a refuge, let alone a battleground, for any foreign extremist movement.
'The actions taken demonstrate that the government is very serious and will not tolerate any elements that could threaten national security.
'This success also proves the efficiency and professionalism of national security forces, especially the police, in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, harmony and public order,' said Saifuddin Nasution.