KUALA SELANGOR: The passports of 68 Malaysians involved in Islamic State (IS) activities abroad have been revoked, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the passport holders included two families from Shah Alam and Ipoh, who had travelled to Syria to purportedly gain a "shortcut to martydom."
"They no longer have travel documents as Malaysian citizens. In fact, when they return to this country, legal action according to Immigration Act would be taken against them.
"Their passports were cancelled two weeks ago after the Prime Minister issued the directive," said Zahid.
Zahid, who is Umno vice-president performing the duties of the party deputy president, said this after opening the Kuala Selangor Umno divisional delegates meeting today.
Also present were Kuala Selangor Umno division chief Datuk Ishak Harun, Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim, and Selangor Umno deputy liaison chief Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan.
in his speech, Zahid said the two separate families from Shah Alam and Ipoh - couples with children aged between 11 and 3 - had sold everything they had and travelled to Syria.
"They had gone there to purportedly fight for IS but they are there working as cleaners and sweepers. I have proof via pictures that they are doing so.
"I received a message that they have regretted this and want to come back. But I do not want to compromise with those who betray the country and religion. We disown them and we do not want to recognise them as Malaysians," he added.