KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Asean countries are keeping a close watch on the Islamic State (IS) militant threat as it is seen as a very serious threat to peace and security.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said this was because the IS militants were not “selective” and any country could be exposed to their acts of terrorism and brutality.

“This (IS threat) is far more serious than political and racial polemic considerations,” he told reporters after the launching and introduction of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) football squad for the 2015 season, here, today.

He was earlier asked to comment on a video recording said to be showing a captured Jordanian pilot believed to being burned alive by IS militants. His  plane had crashed in Syria last December.

Asked on Malaysia’s preparedness in facing the IS militant threat, Hishammuddin said besides preparedness in terms of assets, Malaysian security forces including the Royal Malaysian Police were beefing up intelligence following the latest incidents of the killing of captives by IS militants.

“The IS influence in Malaysia is still under control and we are committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and ensuring security, especially in Sabah, with measures that I had announced before like bringing Hawk fighter jets to Labuan and upgrading the RMAF air base there.

“But what is important is for the people of Sabah to understand that terrorism or militancy is a security threat which must not be taken lightly, that they should not be influenced by the IS propaganda and to cooperate closely with the authorities.” Asked whether the recent clash between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels and Philippine police commandos would have an impact on Malaysia, Hishammuddin said the country’s defence forces were prepared for any eventuality.

“There is no place for militancy in Malaysia and what is important is the people’s full cooperation and support regardless of their race and religion in thwarting such threats,” he said.

It was reported by the Philippine media that in the clash on January 25, Zulkifli Hir or Marwan, a Malaysian described as a terrorist and expert bomb-maker, was killed in the clash where about 50 police commandos also perished while 12 others were injured. — Bernama