TAIPING, June 27 — The Malaysian police are working with the International Police (Interpol) to investigate allegations concerning the involvement of Malaysians in militant activities in Syria.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, said the allegations that several Malaysians were reportedly killed in Syria in terrorism and jihad activities had not been proven by any party.

“We are still in touch with our friends (Interpol) to find out the truth... so far there is no proof. This is only a rumour,” he told reporters after attending a wearing of beret ceremony for 69 commandos and wings of Honour at Ladang Allagar, Sungai Nyior here, today.

He said this when asked to comment on allegations that 15 Malaysians involved in terrorism and jihad activities with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), a group that split from Al-Qaeda, were killed in Syria.

On June 18, a Syrian official based in New York had claimed during a press conference that 15 Malaysians were among the many suspected foreign militants who had been killed in Syria.

He also said that Malaysia had no ‘militant training’ base.

“We have never said that there are any training bases in the country. There are, however, efforts to recruit local youths to become militants,” Khalid said.

He also advised young people not to be influenced by any party persuading them to join a particular group, claiming that they will go to heaven if you join them.

“We are working with the Islamic Religious Department and religious scholars. Descriptions and explanations are given to the community on what jihad is and how to go about performing it. Various measures are being taken to deal with this problem,” he added.

Meanwhile, speaking at the police event Khalid said a variety of hard training endurance tests were necessary because the 96 Commando unit should be ready to face any threats and eventualities.

A total of 67 officers and members successfully completed the 69 Commando Basic Course Series 1/2011 and Series 1/2014 and received the award. — Bernama