Third man charged in Malaysia for allegedly supporting ISIS in Syria

Counter terrorism officers escorting Mohamad Fauzee to the Sepang Sessions Court. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Counter terrorism officers escorting Mohamad Fauzee to the Sepang Sessions Court. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A third militant who returned to Malaysia from Syria has been charged at the Sepang Sessions Court with supporting the terror group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Mohamad Fauzee Ahmad, 46, had allegedly entered Syria to give support to terror activities involving firearms and explosives between June 29 and Sept 18.

His actions were seen to be advancing a religious struggle that endangered the lives of Syrian citizens.

The offence under Section 130j(1)(b) of the Penal Code is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment, a fine or confiscation of any assets suspected of being used for terrorist activities, upon conviction.

No plea was recorded. Mohamad Fauzee merely nodded, indicating he understood the charge.

Judge Nor Haffizah Mohd Salim set Jan 15 for mention before the case is transferred to the High Court.

DPP Ishak Mohd Yusoff prosecuted the case.

Sources revealed that Mohamad Fauzee was the third person to be arrested shortly after returning from Syria where he allegedly fought for the ISIS.

The other two arrested and charged were Muhammad Fauzi Misrak, 32, and bakery shop assistant Mohammad Na'Im Abd Rashid, 26.

They were charged on Nov 11.

It is learnt that the duo had allegedly fought for the ISIS between Dec 13 last year and July 14.

Muhammad Fauzi's case is due for mention on Dec 19 while Mohammad Na'Im's case is on Dec 15.

Both men were arrested along with 12 others in a large-scale swoop for suspected militants between Oct 15 and Oct 17.

The Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division has so far arrested 38 Malaysians suspected of being militants and lending their support for the ISIS since April.

The police, according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, were still on the hunt for five militants believed to be linked to ISIS and Abu Sayyaf, a terror group based in the Philippines.

Former lecturer Dr Mahmud Ahmad (also known as Abu Handzalah) and sundry shop owner Mohd Najib Husen, both 36, are believed to be leaders of a militant group that is training and sending members to fight in Syria and Iraq.

The third member being sought is former Selayang Municipal Council employee Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, 39, also known as Abu Nur.

The two other wanted men are Darul Islam Sabah members Mohd Amin Baco, 31, and Jeknal Adil, 30.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.