Three Malaysian universities identified as hotbeds of terror recruitments

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia has identified three public universities as potential hotbeds of extremist groups like Jemaah Islamiah (JI), with militant operatives trying to recruit international students.

Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry sources said a number of lecturers have also been implicated in the spread of extremist ideas.

To counter this, the ministry has set up a formal committee that will work closely with the police to combat the recruitment drives of extremist groups.

Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the formation of the committee. However, ministry officials asked that the universities not be named for now.

“Security in universities should never be limited to the protection of property alone, and what we are doing is an effort to protect the fabric of our society. It is more complex than many think it is and we will be vigilant,” The Star quoted Khaled, as saying.

Earlier this year, police reportedly detained 10 JI members who were trying to recruit local students in the name of “holy wars.” (ANI)