KUALA LUMPUR: Police detained a local man who was believed to be on his way to join the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Syria today.
The 39-year-old man was detained at the KL International Airport (KLIA) at 5.30am today.
Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the man was believed to be using a transit flight to Brunei before flying to Turkey and subsequently to Syria.
He said the suspect was alone at KLIA when he was detained by Bukit Aman, Special Branch, Counter Terrorism Division.
Khalid said, with the latest arrest, the police had detained 46 individuals who tried to join or assist the militant group.
He said the police were always monitoring individuals or groups who were involved with foreign militants.
“I warn any quarter seeking to use Malaysia as a transit point such as to join the IS militant group in Syria, smuggling drugs, human trafficking and anything which threatens the national peace, will be dealt with severely,” he said.
He told this to reporters after opening the 59th anniversary of the Federal Reserve Unit (PSP) at the PSP parade ground, PSP Complex, Cheras, here, today.
He said police believed those intending to join IS had a certain network in Southern Philippines, such as for recruiting new members to join the group.
In another development, police, with the Immigration Department of Malaysia, district office and several enforcement agencies, nabbed 350 illegal foreign immigrants in Cameron Highlands recently.
“In addition, police have also stationed a company of General Operations Force personnel in certain areas to look out for illegals and land exploitation carried out illegally,” he added. -Bernama