POLICE have dismantled a foreign militant network following the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of ties to an extremist movement with ideological links to the Islamic State (IS).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that the arrests were made through a coordinated three-phase security operation carried out between April 24 and June in Selangor and Johor.
Five of the suspects have already been charged under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code for offences relating to terrorism in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Sessions Courts. Fifteen others have received deportation orders, while investigations continue into the remaining 16 individuals.
“Intelligence and coordinated action by the Special Branch revealed that this group imported extremist ideology based on Islamic State (IS) teachings into the country,” Saifuddin said in a statement.
He added that the network had established recruitment cells among its community members in Malaysia, with the aim of spreading radical beliefs, raising funds to support terrorist activities, and working to overthrow the legitimate government in their country of origin.
“I want to stress that Malaysia will not be a refuge, much less a staging ground, for any foreign extremist elements,” the minister said.
“This operation proves that the MADANI Government is very serious and will not tolerate any element that poses a threat to national security.”
Saifuddin also praised the Special Branch and other police units involved for their professionalism and efficiency, noting that such efforts were critical in maintaining Malaysia’s sovereignty and public safety.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, tightening enforcement, and enhancing collaboration with both domestic and international security agencies.
“Any attempt to use Malaysia as a militant operations base or a transit point for extremist movements will be met with firm, swift and effective action,” he warned. - June 27, 2025
