KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry is focused on ensuring that "black money" derived from smuggling activities do not enter the real economy.
Its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he was concerned of the repercussions should these funds fall into the hands of Islamic State (IS) militants.
"The black economy, if it reaches the militants... that is a major concern to us.
"My biggest concern now is how (to ensure) that these illegal funds do not fall into the hands of terrorists," he told reporters after the 53rd General Border Committee Meeting for Malaysia-Thailand at the Malaysian Armed Forces Officers Mess here today.
The meeting was co-chaired by Hishammuddin and his Thai counterpart General Prawit Wongsuwon, who is also Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister.
The meeting, held annually alternately in Thailand and Malaysia, aims to encourage cooperation for peace, security and stability within the border areas of the two countries through the resolving of common problems as well as developing and promoting matters of mutual interest.