Foreign Militant Network Dismantled, 36 Bangladeshi Nationals Detained

PUTRAJAYA – The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has successfully dismantled a foreign militant network with the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of direct involvement in a radical militant movement based on extremist beliefs and violent ideologies.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the arrests were carried out through a three-phase, coordinated security operation across Selangor and Johor beginning on April 24.

“In this operation, five individuals were identified under Part VIA of the Penal Code and have been charged in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Sessions Courts.

“Fifteen others have been issued deportation orders, while 16 individuals are still under investigation for their involvement in the militant movement,” he said in a statement on Friday.

He explained that intelligence efforts and joint operations by the PDRM Special Branch uncovered that the group was attempting to import extremist ideologies based on Daesh into Malaysia.

Saifuddin Nasution added that the group had also set up recruitment cells within their community to indoctrinate radical beliefs, raise funds for terrorist activities, and aim to overthrow the legitimate government of their home country.

“I want to emphasize that Malaysia will not become a safe haven or operational base for any foreign extremist movement.

“This action proves that the Madani Government is extremely serious and uncompromising toward any element that threatens national security,” he said.

He also said the successful operation highlights the efficiency and professionalism of Malaysia’s security forces, especially the PDRM, in protecting the nation’s sovereignty, harmony, and public order.

Saifuddin Nasution reaffirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to strengthen intelligence capabilities, intensify enforcement, and cooperate with both local and international security agencies to ensure Malaysia remains peaceful, stable, and free from the threat of terrorism.

“Any attempt to make Malaysia a base for militant operations or a transit point for extremist movements will be met with firm, swift, and effective action,” he said.