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Malaysians fighting for IS to be barred from coming home: Deputy PM

Xinhua, February 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Saturday that over 130 Malaysians who are now in Syria and Iraq fighting for the Islamic State (IS) will be barred from returning home, local media reported on Sunday.

Zahid, who is also home minister, said that the police are working with Interpol to ensure these militants do not come back to Malaysia.

"The decision to bar them from returning home is to safeguard the country's peace and stability," he said.

The deputy prime minister said that there are 132 Malaysians in total who have been identified to be fighting for IS in Syria and Iraq.

"Malaysia belongs to all ethnic groups and we want to maintain peace and stability in the country. The prime minister has given his commitment that peace and harmony will be given priority," he said. Enditem