47 Malaysians involved with ISIS in Syria, Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: At least 47 Malaysians, including nine women and eight children, are involved with the Islamic state terror group in Syria and Iraq, a top police official has said.

Police Special Branch director Mohamad Fuzi said they comprised 30 men, nine women and eight children. "Of the 72 linked to the militant group, 18 were reportedly killed in Syria while seven others died as suicide bombers last year," Fuzi said.

"Some of those involved in militant activities were arrested and charged in court," he told Bernama news agency. Fuzi said the police has taken measures to curb the spread of ISIS ideology by collaborating with the Immigration Department, KL International Airport (KLIA) and Interpol to monitor the country's entry points.

"If they ISIS militants return to their country of origin via KLIA, they will be arrested immediately, and if they use other means, the police have the mechanism to detect them," he added.

Malaysia is a multi ethnic Muslim majority country.