Anyone caught downloading or printing the newly launched Malay-language publication by terror network Islamic State will have action taken against them.
Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said while authorities have yet to see the 20-page print edition of the ‘Al-Fatihin’ newspaper, it could still be found online.
“The Royal Malaysian Police and (Home) ministry will continue to monitor any parties that downloaded or print the publication,” Bernama quoted Ahmad Zahid as saying.
“I urge the people not to surf and print because it can be subjected to action being taken in accordance with the law,” he was quoted further.
The newspaper was reportedly launched on June 20 in southern Philippines and is believed to be operated by the militant group’s Malaysian and Indonesian followers.
Its contents were then published online as well as on social media.
It was reported that the publication has been distributed in Malaysia, Indonesia as well as Thailand.
A paper by the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore last month described the contents of the first edition, stating that it focused heavily on the significance of Ramadan, jihad and the rituals of fasting.
“In fact, the first three pages contain advice from the Egyptian ideologue Abu Hamzah al-Muhajir, aka Abu Ayyub al-Masri, calling on IS fighters to continue their jihadist activities, search for martyrdom and kill and crucify the polytheists, disbelievers, oppressors and transgressors,” the paper stated.
Malaysia saw its first confirmed terror attack last month, when a nightclub in Puchong was hit by a grenade. Eight people were injured in the bombing.
