According to The Diplomat, some of them are also supporters of either Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.

In an article on Al-Qaeda’s relevance in the country, the online news magazine reported that in view of the changing geopolitical landscape and security situation, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, “the need for vigilance cannot be emphasised enough”.

“As Malaysia remains a largely open country, the need for closer cooperation with international intelligence agencies and monitoring of potential terrorist suspects is the only way to ensure security for Malaysia and the broader international community.”

There was also a need for Putrajaya to be vigilant when it came to Al-Qaeda and its affiliates.

This is especially so when it involves Malaysians seeking to travel to South Asia and the Middle East for education.

The report said the “Ghuraba cell”, comprising six Indonesians, 13 Malaysians and two Singaporeans, had used education as a cover for their terrorist activities.

Malaysian Ahmad Mustakim Abdul Hamid, who was sentenced to 15 years’ jail by a Somali military court in September for assisting the Al-Shabaab terrorist group in the Horn of Africa country, was radicalised while studying in Yemen.

The Diplomat also warned that Southeast Asians, including Malaysians, may head to Afghanistan “to gain training and battlefield experience” as the Al-Qaeda may be rejuvenated in the country now that the Taliban had taken over the Islamic republic.

It also said Malaysia would continue to be a favourite transit point and safe haven for terrorists, especially for Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, “due to its visa-free travel policies”.

“There also continues to be sympathy in Malaysia for pro-Al-Qaeda groups, including the Taliban,” the report read.

It said even the country’s Special Branch had said there was a “significant presence” of JI members in the country.

JI, or Jemaah Islamiyah, is an Indonesian-based extremist organisation that seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate across Southeast Asia.