MALAYSIA'S religious authorities, led by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), will intensify cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) in curbing the spread of extremist and radical ideologies among foreign workers, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Speaking after attending the Rai Ummah programme on Friday evening, Mohd Na’im stressed that while not all foreign workers are involved in radical beliefs, preventive measures must be strengthened.
“This issue of IS (Islamic State) involves extremism and radicalism, and I have made several statements before. Although it may not necessarily involve foreign workers as a whole, we affirm that the role of religious agencies, particularly JAKIM, is vital in preventing the spread of extremist ideologies,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting wasatiyyah (moderation) and rejecting all forms of extremist teachings that deviate from true Islamic principles.
“We oppose any ideology that promotes extreme actions not taught in Islam,” he said.
Mohd Na’im added that he had instructed both JAKIM and the Islamic Propagation Foundation of Malaysia (YADIM) to step up efforts to counter such ideologies, particularly among foreign workers who may be influenced by these beliefs.
“God willing, continuous cooperation will be held between religious agencies such as JAKIM and YADIM with the Home Ministry to curb this ideology among foreign workers,” he said.
Earlier on Saturday, Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, revealed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had dismantled a radical Bangladeshi militant group, known as the Gerakan Militan Radikal Bangladesh (GMRB), believed to be involved in fundraising and recruitment activities in support of IS operations in Syria and Bangladesh.
Initial investigations indicated the group collected funds through an annual membership fee of RM500 per person, in addition to voluntary contributions depending on members’ financial means.
Membership of the group is estimated to be between 100 and 150 individuals, primarily Bangladeshi nationals working in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and petrol stations across the country.
On 27 June, police arrested 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of direct involvement in the GMRB, as part of a three-phase counter-terrorism operation carried out in Selangor and Johor since 24 April.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the arrests and said the operation was part of an ongoing strategic effort to dismantle foreign extremist networks operating in Malaysia. - July 5, 2025
