BEIJING, Oct 23 ― The strength and capabilities of militant cells have been reduced to a minimum with security operations conducted so far, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

He said further actions are in progress to identify and disrupt the remaining members.

“Malaysia is always in the forefront to fight terrorist threats and appreciate cooperation from China and Asean member states to stop evil people from continuing their activity,” he said.

Nur Jazlan was delivering his keynote on Malaysia's efforts in countering violent extremism at the China-ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation, titled “Security for Prosperity”, here today.

He said a total of 391 militant elements have been arrested by the Malaysian authorities since 2001 that comprised members of Al-Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiah (JI), Darul Islam, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam and other splitting militant groups.

Nur Jazlan said, however, due to developments in Iraq and Syria the threat has gained momentum, adding the authorities had intercepted the travel of Malaysian “jihadists” to Iraq and Syria to participate in a “Holy War” since middle of 2012.

“So far, a total of 128 individuals linked to “Jihad” activities in Iraq and Syria have been arrested under the existing laws in Malaysia,” he said, adding that a total of 69 Malaysians were reported to have travelled to Syria to be part of the IS struggle.

The arrests included 104 males and 24 females.                

Nur Jazlan said the current recruitment process suggested that people from all kind of backgrounds were willing to seek a short cut to heaven unlike previous recruitments that targeted individuals with religious backgrounds.

“They include jobless individuals and drug addicts. Others arrested were individuals in the business and corporate sector, government employees and private sectors,” he added.

Nur Jazlan said the new cells had also established links with former JI and Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM) detainees who provide assistance in securing the route to the battle grounds in Syria.

He said these groups were also responsible to initiate links between the new Malaysian arrivals with IS and other militant organisations based in Syria, namely Jabhat Al Nusrah (JAN) and Ajnad Al Sham (AAS).

Furthermore, the route to travel to Syria is made via Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul followed by road, either via bus or taxi, to Hatay Province before sneaking through Turkish/Syrian border with help from local travel guides.

Nur Jazlan said Malaysian authorities also arrested 27 suspected members of East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Malaysia since 2011, of which 23 had been deported to China, Canada and Turkey.

“Four are pending investigation, including two Malaysian citizens who are linked to the possible ETIM activities. So far, their activities have not been linked to the bombing in Bangkok on Aug 17,” he added. ― Bernama