KUANTAN: The Home Ministry will probe allegations that Israeli intelligence agents are recruiting Malaysians to conduct operations here.
Caretaker Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the ministry would take action if the claim was true.
"We should look into matters (allegations) like this, then we will announce (further action)," he said, referring to a New Straits Times (NST) report that revealed Mossad agents had used Malaysians to carry out a covert operation to abduct two Palestinians they believed to be Hamas members.
However, the Malaysian operatives only managed to snatch one of the targets. The other one escaped and lodged a police report.
Quick action by police led to a raid of a chalet in Hulu Langat where the victim was rescued.
It was reported that the Palestinian man was in the midst being interrogated and tortured when police moved in.
Hamzah was met by reporters at the 2022 National Recovery Aspiration Family Programme here today.
Previously, on May 17 2021, Hamzah had, in a statement, said the ministry takes it seriously security threats issued by Israel against Palestinian leaders around the world, including in Malaysia.
He had also said that Malaysia was aware of the existence of organisations that support the aspirations of the Palestinian people and will continue to maintain public order and the safety of Malaysians, including the Palestinians who are in this country.
He had also given his assurances police, together with other security agencies, have increased security controls from all aspects following Israel's threats.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the 11 people charged on Oct 14 were involved in the kidnapping of the Palestinian.
In a statement, he advised the public not speculate on the case as it could jeopardise ongoing investigations, adding that the case against the 11 would be re-mentioned on Dec 15.