Malaysia extends cooperation in fight against Daesh

KLUANG: Malaysia will extend its cooperation with China, United States, France, and Turkey in the fight against terrorist group Daesh.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said this when attending a Hari Raya open house at his constituency.

"We need more exchange of information with Asean and other countries.
“We also can learn from their experience in dealing with these terrorists groups," he said.

Hishammuddin added he had voiced out the dangers and threats of Daesh in Sabah two years ago.

"Ten defense ministers from ten Asean member countries had taken the same stand for fighting against Daesh since April last year," he said.
He added that the current approach used by Daesh is very different, citing the truck attack in Nice, France as an example.

"Daesh have a different ideology when compared with previous extremist groups. So, it is difficult to say we have 100% preventive measures and enough assets in fighting them," Hishammuddin said.

The defence minister has identified several approaches to focus on, such as tightening up border security, especially near the Sulu Sea and more army, navy marine teams will be stationed in Sabah.

On top of this, more army, police and other related agencies will carry out joint patrol in strategic areas and deradicalisation programmes for Daesh supporters.

The defence minister will meet his counterparts from Indonesia and Philippine to discuss regional security issues on Sulu Sea next Monday.