Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said he has instructed the Islamic development department (Jakim) and the Islamic Propagation Foundation of Malaysia (Yadim) to work with the home ministry to counter radical ideology among foreign workers.

Na’im said that although not all foreign workers are involved, the risk of radical influence must be addressed. “We strongly oppose any ideology that promotes extremist actions as they have no place in Islam,” he said.

He hoped the collaboration between religious agencies and the home ministry would curb the spread of extremist ideologies among foreign workers.

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said the foreigners arrested last week recruited new members for the Islamic State from migrant workers in Malaysia at factories, petrol stations and construction sites.