Shanmugam and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had a bilateral meeting in Bali, Indonesia, on August 10 to discuss counter-terrorism measures.
The ministers also exchanged notes on cooperation between security and intelligence agencies of Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore in the fight against terrorism in Southeast Asia.
They expressed concerns over the threat of about 1,000 fighters from Malaysia and Indonesia who have travelled to participate in the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, as well as several hundred individuals previously convicted of terrorism offences in Indonesia who will be released from prison in the next few years.
The two sides agreed to exchange biometric information of known fighters and those convicted of terrorism offences, as well as sharing experience in converting extremists.
Given the transnational nature of terrorist networks and the attraction of the Islamic State (IS) propaganda, it is critical to deny terrorists ease of movement across borders and new recruits from amongst prisoners being released, said Shanmugam.
The two ministers are in Bali to attend the International Meeting on Counter Terrorism, which attracted the participation of Government officials and experts from 25 nations and various international organisations.
VNA
