36 Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested in Malaysia for Suspected Links to IS Militancy Under SOSMA
KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of being involved in a militant movement inspired by the Islamic State (IS) ideology have been arrested in Malaysia, with some detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, confirmed the arrests during a press conference following the official handover ceremony of the new Director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department. He said the operation to detain the individuals was conducted in phases, beginning on April 24, across locations in Selangor and Johor.
“Some of them have been detained under SOSMA, others were deported, while a few remain in custody pending further investigation,” said Mohd Khalid.
The arrests were part of an intelligence-driven operation, involving close cooperation with Bangladeshi authorities. The militant group in question was found to be comprised exclusively of Bangladeshi nationals. Authorities confirmed that no Malaysians were involved in the network.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had earlier stated that these foreign nationals were suspected of spreading IS-inspired ideology and attempting to establish a militant cell within Malaysia. He assured the public that Malaysian security forces are closely monitoring the situation and that the country’s anti-terrorism framework remains robust.
The operation is a part of Malaysia’s continuous efforts to counter foreign extremist threats and prevent the use of the country as a base for recruiting or organizing militant activities.
While SOSMA provides the legal framework for authorities to detain individuals suspected of threatening national security, the police emphasized that ongoing investigations aim to uncover any deeper or transnational connections the suspects might have had.
The arrests underline the Malaysian government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and its commitment to international counter-terrorism cooperation.