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137 detained so far over IS terror links in Malaysia
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A security guard stands in front of a barricade at the Malaysia's landmark building, Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Dec. 31, 2015. (AP/Joshua Paul)
A total of 137 people have been detained to date for their involvement with the Islamic State (IS) terror group.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday said the number included those who had attempted to leave the country to join IS.
“We detained those who were going to join [IS], those who returned from there [Iraq and Syria] as well as those who were funding their activities,” he said.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, added that his ministry currently is keeping track of all IS-linked individuals, especially Malaysians.
“We exchange intelligence with international agencies and we have a suspects list as well as a list of those involved with Daesh [another name for IS].
“I can give assurance that security is not only at airports. Borders and rabbit holes are being watched as well, not only by border security but external agencies as well,” he said.
Zahid said that at present Malaysia is attempting to emulate Saudi Arabia with regard to its deradicalization programs.
“They have a deradicalization program where they attach electronic monitoring devices to the offenders.
“We have spoken about this to the Attorney-General,” he said.
On Sunday, the IS stronghold in Mosul, Iraq was breached and countries like Turkey and the United States as well as Malaysia are anticipating the return of militants to their respective countries.
Defense Minister Hishamuddin Hussein on Monday said that Malaysia is on high alert following the breach.
