Recruitment of Malaysians to fight conflict in Syria a serious threat - ATM chief

The recruitment of Malaysians to fight the conflict in Syria in the name of 'jihad' must be checked as it poses a serious threat for the nation.

Armed Forces Malaysia chief, General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said this was necessary to prevent Malaysians from being influenced by militants operating in Syria and Iraq.

"After joining, they will be given military training and will possess a spirit of solidarity with people of other countries involved in the conflict.

"This is worrying us. For example, the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) or Indonesia's very own Al-Qaeda was formed by those who fought the war in Afghanistan.

"After returning home, the militants will form their own group. It has been proven that IS is more terrible Al- Qaeda," he said when closing a summer camp programme at Kem Desa Pahlawan here, today.

Zulkifeli said that the recruitment issue was very serious and reminded Malaysians not to be influenced by the militant group based in Iraq and Syria.

"This group managed to influence a Form Two female student via the internet. Their brand of 'jihad' is about Muslims killing fellow Muslims," he added

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said 39 Malaysians, including a woman, were involved with IS militants in Syria.

They were identified following investigation by the police. The three militant groups which Malaysians joined in Syria were the Islamic State, Jabhat Al Nusra and Ajnad Al Sham, who quote verses from the Quran and 'jihad' as their selling point.