A MILITANT group operating covertly in Malaysia charged foreign workers an annual RM500 membership fee and used encrypted messaging platforms to recruit and indoctrinate Bangladeshi nationals, Malaysia’s top police official revealed on Friday.
The Gerakan Militan Radikal Bangladesh (GMRB), reportedly inspired by the Islamic State (IS), had embedded itself within the migrant labour community and used Malaysia as a base for fundraising and recruitment, said Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
“This group does not consider Malaysia a target for violence, but rather a strategic hub for its operations. Recruits pledged allegiance online and were then assigned to lead new cells to further the group’s ideology,” Mohd Khalid told reporters at Bukit Aman.
Thirty-six Bangladeshi men, aged between 25 and 35, were arrested across three phases of coordinated police operations in Selangor and Johor between April and June this year. Police were alerted by the suspicious activity of a local internet address broadcasting extremist materials.
The group primarily targeted Bangladeshi workers in factories, construction sites, and petrol stations. Using platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, GMRB leaders coordinated indoctrination, religious study sessions, and secret meetings.
“Once an individual completed the baiah — a formal oath of allegiance, often via online platforms — they could be elevated to lead recruitment efforts,” said Mohd Khalid, noting the group employed a structured hierarchy from screening recruits to forming elite units.
Funding for the group flowed through a mix of annual membership fees, voluntary donations, and digital platforms including Touch ‘n Go, BeCash, and various international remittance services. The funds were believed to be funnelled to terror networks in Syria and Bangladesh.
“We are working closely with Bangladeshi authorities and Interpol to trace the financial networks and overseas collaborators,” he added.
The first wave of arrests took place on 28 April, netting six suspects in Selangor. On 7 May, another 14 individuals were apprehended in Johor, including the group’s alleged leader. A final sweep between 19 and 21 June saw 16 more arrested, bringing the total to 36 and effectively dismantling the GMRB’s core Malaysian network.
Five suspects have been formally charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code for involvement in a terrorist organisation and propagating extremist ideology. Sixteen remain in custody under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), while the remaining 15 are expected to be deported.
“Preliminary investigations suggest between 100 and 150 individuals in Malaysia may have had some level of involvement. No Malaysian citizens have been implicated thus far, but our surveillance will continue to ensure no infiltration into local communities,” said Mohd Khalid.
He reaffirmed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would maintain a zero-tolerance policy against groups attempting to use the country as a base for international terrorist activities.
“We will not compromise on national security. Any attempt to exploit Malaysia as a haven, transit, or staging ground for militant agendas will be met with firm and swift action,” he said, urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious behaviour. - July 4, 2025
