IGP: IS suspect not on Malaysia’s watch list

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are working with their Pakistani counterparts to facilitate the repatriation of a Malaysian man caught attempting to smuggle weapons and ammunition through the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

However, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the process might take time owing to the different laws in the two countries.

He also said the arrest came as a surprise to Bukit Aman as the man was not on Malaysia’s watch list.

“This is news to us — we (are only learning) of him now.

“We need to know more — which group he belongs to, what was his motive, and why he wanted to bring (munitions) back during the festive season.

“This is quite suspicious, especially at this time (the festive season).

“We will look into it deeper,” he told the New Straits Times.

The man, believed to have links with Islamic State (IS), was arrested on Friday, Pakistani news portal tribune.com.pk reported.

He was nabbed as he was attempting to board a Malaysia-bound flight via the Jinnah International Airport.

Authorities seized four guns, eight magazines and 70 bullets concealed in his baggage and shoes.

The portal also posted a picture of the man’s arrest, in which he is seen wearing a jacket and a skullcap.

Other pictures were of four guns, magazines and bullets on two baggage trays. A photo of the man’s passport, which has been circulating on social media, reveals his age as 20.

On Saturday, Fuzi said preliminary checks revealed that the suspect, who was from Serian, Sarawak, had links to IS.

We need to know more — which group he belongs to, what was his motive, and why he wanted to bring (munitions) back during the festive season. TAN SRI MOHAMAD FUZI HARUN Inspector-General of Police