KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The government must enhance monitoring  of Malaysian students in the Middle East to avoid them from being recruited to join militant activities.

Deputy president of Former Muslim Students Association of the Middle East,  Anuar Zainal Abidin said the Malaysian embassy should monitor the activities of students as recruitment is done discreetly.

 “Students who go on their own are the ones who are easily influenced as they\ are not bound or monitored by the government or agencies that fund them.

“Those easily influenced have poor knowledge about Islam, not fluent in Arabic and do not understand the objective of the organisation and struggle,” he said commenting on a report on the participation of Malaysian students in militant organisations in the Middle East.

Anuar said the struggle of militant organisations such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is based on brotherhood and not true ‘jihad.’

Meanwhile, the Malay Association in the Arab Republic of Egypt (PMRAM) advised Malaysians to enhance security following protests planned today to commemorate one year seizure of power.

It reminded them to always carry identification documents, be cautious when interacting with locals and not to possess Egyptian political books.

 “Don't join public gatherings and avoid going to places deemed dangerous,” said PMRAM on its Facebook page.

PMRAM president Hanifulfuad Hussin told Bernama the situation in Egypt is under control and Malaysian students continue with daily routine and perform Tarawih prayers at mosques. — Bernama