KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — A senior official from the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (Kettha) was arrested for allegedly recruiting Malaysians and receiving funds for doing so, police chief Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said today.

The Star Online reported that the funds were also for the 37-year-old senior assistant director to go to Syria.

Khalid told the news portal that more suspects, believed to be recruiters for IS, would be arrested soon.

“I want to assure the public that we (the police) are on top of this and we will stop them,” he said.

Earlier today, Reuters reported that IS’ main recruiters in Malaysia, who funded trips to Syria for converts and used Facebook to attract young supporters, were among the 14 suspected militants arrested earlier this week.

According to a police statement, the three Malaysians played individual roles to promote, recruit and finance trips to Syria.

The arrests on Monday and Tuesday included the official from Kethha, whose task was to fund trips for recruits to enter Syria, and is linked to three wanted Abu Sayyaf militants.

Another key player in the operation is a 34-year-old who fought in Syria for four months before returning in April this year, according to the report.

Reuters also reported that the third person, a 37-year-old, used a Facebook account to promote and upload propaganda material and recruited female university students to be sent to Syria.

Malaysia has arrested 37 suspects tied to the Islamic State since April.

The authorities estimate at least 30 Malaysians have left for Syria and at least 15 have died in Syria while fighting for the terrorist organisation.

The arrests this week also included a 14-year-old high school student and a family of five, the report said.