PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian authorities are working closely with Indonesia to prevent Indonesians convicted of terrorism from entering the country, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the Malaysian Government was concerned as some 300 followers of Abu Bakar Bashir, the former leader of militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), were expected to be released from prison soon.
“We are worried that about 300 supporters of Abu Bakar Bashir who have been sentenced for terror activities in Indonesia are going to be released.
“The Malaysian Immigration Department and its Indonesian counterpart are working closely with each other.
“Both are exchanging information, including biometric data, so that these people who are released can be prevented from entering the country to spread the IS (Islamic State) propaganda among Malaysians,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at his official residence Sri Satria.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Indonesia were also exchanging Interpol data, and discussing ways to de-radicalise and rehabilitate those influenced by IS.
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| Tucking in: Visitors enjoying the food served at Dr Ahmad Zahid’s Hari Raya open house in Putrajaya. – Bernama |
Abu Bakar was jailed in 2010 for setting up a JI militant training camp in Aceh.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, added that the police were also working closely with state Islamic religious departments to monitor the spread of IS ideology.
“We are working with the state departments and so far, we have not received any information on it (the spread of IS). But if there is, the police will definitely take action to prevent it,” he said.
Thousands of well-wishers thronged Sri Satria yesterday evening where they were feted to a variety of Malaysian delights.
Several ministers and politicians also visited the open house, including Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
They were entertained by a live band performance, which, among others, featured singer Hattan.
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