Anwar said that threats posed by international intelligence agencies, including Mossad, had long been recognised.

“According to the latest intelligence briefings, Malaysian security agencies are treating this matter very seriously.

“This is especially now that it has been confirmed that Mossad not only has a presence here, but has also successfully recruited or collaborated with locals, including married couples, as agents or accomplices,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), who asked about the government’s efforts to ensure that Malaysia is protected from Mossad attacks.

Anwar said the challenge lay in the speed and sophistication of foreign intelligence operatives, which often allowed them to flee before being identified.

“One of the most recent cases involved a local couple from Selangor who allegedly colluded with agents believed to be from Mossad. They were involved in smuggling weapons from Thailand and were arrested and are now in prison.

“Malaysia has become a target partly because of our vocal stance on certain international issues. This has made us a hotspot for weapons and drug smuggling activities, and in this context, Mossad agents have taken an interest,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said additional measures had been taken to deal with such threats, and that the home minister was working to strengthen Malaysia’s capabilities in this area.

He said the autogate system had also been improved, including with help from international bodies such as Interpol, to enhance Malaysia’s screening capacity.

Separately, Anwar said that Malaysia would not compromise its stance on Gaza or Iran in exchange for a better US tariff rate.

He said Malaysia’s position remained unchanged and that the government would continue to speak out on such issues.