Stiffer Punishment For Using Social Media To Recruit Members Into Terrorist Groups

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Heavy punishment awaits those who use social media to attract other individuals into joining terrorist groups when the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2015 becomes law. Deputy Home Minister Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the provision was in line with the realisation that social media was being exploited by parties like the IS to recruit and spread their ideology around the globe. "The activities and operational procedures of terrorist groups are now very creative by using the latest technology to attract young people," he said when tabling the bill for its second reading in parliament on Tuesday. He said that under the amendment, anyone who encouraged others to leave Malaysia to engage themselves in any activities of terrorist groups could face life imprisonment or jail-term not exceeding 30 years, or a fine. "Any asset that has been used for terrorist purposes will also be forfeited," he said. Wan Junaidi said among the key elements of the bill was Clause 2 which seeked to introduce a new section, namely Section 130(F)(A) to make it an offence for any individual to receive training and guidance from terrorist groups. Section 130(F)(B), he said, would make it an offence for any person to be present at a place that provided terrorist training. Meanwhile Clause 4 seeks to introduce four new sections which would make it an offence for individuals to travel to, through, or from Malaysia to commit acts of terrorism in a foreign country. It would also make it an offence for a person to possess items associated with any terrorist group - to display, distribute or sell the items or help someone else to perform terrorist acts. Wan Junaidi said the amendment was also in line with the Malaysian Government's desire for the country to cease becoming a transit hub and recruitment centre for terrorist organisations. The bill was then debated and approved without any further amendments. The Prevention of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2015 was also approved. -- BERNAMA