Malaysia monitoring higher education institutions for militant-linked activities

Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry is monitoring students at higher learning institutions for militant-linked activities based on the extremist ideology of the ISIS terror group, the Bernama news outlet reported on July 13.

It quoted Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir as saying that this comes after the

recent arrest of several individuals suspected of being involved with militants

.

Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on July 13, Datuk Seri Zambry said the ministry is monitoring the situation together with security forces, including the police, to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies, regardless of whether they originate locally or overseas.

On July 4, Malaysia’s top police official said the authorities had dismantled a network that used social media to spread ideology and raise funds for ISIS among Bangladeshis working in the country.

Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail said at a press conference that the authorities had detained 36 Bangladeshis in several operations since April, reported Reuters.

All of the workers came to Malaysia to work in factories or in sectors such as construction and services.

Citing police intelligence, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid said the network recruited members by targeting other Bangladeshi workers and used social media and online messaging platforms to spread radical and extremist ideologies.

It also raised money using international fund transfer services and e-wallets, which was then sent to ISIS in Syria and Bangladesh, he said.

However, he declined to provide further details on the amount raised.

Five of the detained individuals have been charged with being part of a terrorist organisation.

Fifteen will be deported, while another 16 remain in police custody pending further investigation.

More arrests are expected, Mr Mohd Khalid was quoted as saying. He also said that a total of between 100 and 150 people are suspected to be involved in the network.