Constant efforts to fight terrorism

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 346 individuals linked to Islamic State, including 95 Malaysians, were detained as of this month, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the Home Ministry also received information on 53 Malaysians involved in terrorist activities in Iraq and Syria, with 34 of them deceased.

To address the threat of terrorism, the authorities are constantly improving methods of monitoring and cooperation with Interpol and other countries, he added.

“The government is still not satisfied with our achievements in combating cross border crimes but we are confident with our cooperation, including with Interpol, the violence can be contained,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BNKetereh) on the government’s efforts to curb cross border crimes.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia forged partnerships with neighbouring countries and Interpol to form information-sharing networks as well as to enhance intelligence networks.

“We have also monitored the country’s entry points using the Advance Passenger Screening System, and collaborated with the government of China to repatriate criminals.”

He also said Malaysia is committed to addressing the problem of human trafficking crimes.

“The prosecution of human trafficking crimes have also increased from one person in 2014 to seven in 2015, 100 last year and 119 as of Oct 10 this year. This shows our concern in addressing this issue,” he said. – Bernama