Visitors at the open house undergoing security check. — Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Home Ministry and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) are constantly monitoring all madrasah (religious institutions) to ensure there are no threat of Daesh militants in the country.
He confirmed that joint surveillance by the Royal Malaysia Police and state Islamic Religious Departments so far revealed that no madrasah was involved with any Daesh militant group activities.
“So far, we do not have any information involving the madrasah.
“The police will definitely have taken steps and action, if any,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters when met at his Aidilfitri open house in his official residence, Sri Satria, here yesterday.
He was asked whether all madrasah and religious schools in Malaysia would be monitored closely just like in Indonesia, to curb the spread of Daesh militant group ideology.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Indonesia had shared and exchanged information in efforts to fight terrorism in both countries.
“There were many forms of information exchange made by the Interpol and shared with the Malaysian and Indonesian police.
“The anti-terrorism laws, which is going be debated in the Indonesian Parliament soon, will also be shared with Malaysia.
“This is intended so that Malaysia and Indonesia can cooperate and fight all out against terrorism in the country,” he said.
Asked on the release of more than 300 followers of terrorist Abu Bakar Ba’asyir from Indonesian prison soon, Ahmad Zahid said: “We are worried and we will cooperate with our Indonesian counterpart to exchange information on biometric fingerprints.
“This is because we do not want those who have served their sentences for (committing) terrorism act to come to Malaysia upon release and intensify their influence,” he added. — Bernama