KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 — A university student was charged today with allegedly attempting to join the Islamic State jihadist movement in Syria via Turkey and faces possible life imprisonment if convicted.
Wan Mohammad Arif Wan Rokman, 23, was accused of trying to support IS and seeking to become a member of the group branded as terrorists by Putrajaya.
In the charge under Section 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code read out at the Sepang Sessions Court, the marine engineering student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) was said to have tried to depart from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last December 28 for Turkey using the Turkish Airlines.
Under Section 130J (1)(a), an individual who knowingly gives support or solicits support for any “terrorist group” will be found liable.
In the alternative charge under the same section read together with Section 511 of the Penal Code, he was said to have intended to enter Syria after his flight to Turkey for the benefit of IS.
Both charges are punishable under Section 130J that prescribes life imprisonment or a maximum jail term of 30 years, or a fine as well as seizure of properties that were used or intended to be used to commit the offence upon conviction.
No plea was recorded in the Sessions Court as the case will be mentioned on March 30 for transfer to the High Court.
Wan Mohammad was also not offered bail as he was detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
