KUALA LUMPUR: "My cousin has always been an introvert, and he loved playing military-related online games."
This were the words of a cousin of the Malaysian identified as a mercenary in Ukraine.
"He was also very interested in military affairs and often looked up information about the armed forces," she said when interviewed by Harian Metro.
The 39-year-old woman, who did not want to be named, said she found out that her cousin was injured while fighting in Ukraine. However, she was told that he was not seriously hurt.
"I don't think he went to Ukraine for the money. His family isn't struggling financially. His father was very worried about his safety."
She she only learned about him being in Ukraine through a WhatsApp message.
"He never told us he was going to Ukraine. I only found out in April when he messaged me on WhatsApp," she said.
The woman went on to explain that her cousin was raised by his mother in Perlis after his parents separated.
His father, who lives in Kedah, continued to support his education and living expenses.
"We weren't close growing up, but when he went to college in Selangor, we became closer. I even took care of him while he was living here."
She said her cousin is an only child, and when he went to college, his academic performance was quite good.
"We're having trouble contacting him now, and we're just waiting for him to get in touch," she added.
NEED FOR UPDATED LAWS TO ADDRESS FOREIGN PARTICIPATION
There are several laws in place to regulate and prevent locals from joining military or terrorist activities abroad.
Dr Mahmud Jumaat, who is the director of Guam Services Advocacy, said the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) strictly prohibits mercenary activities in foreign countries, treating it as a serious criminal offence.
"Under Section 4(1) of Sosma, authorities have the power to arrest anyone suspected of engaging in criminal activities, including those outlined in the Penal Code—such as Section 130C, which deals with terrorism and participation in terrorist groups as specified in Section 130KA," he told Harian Metro.
Additionally, the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA) plays an important role in addressing issues related to terrorism.
"POTA was specifically created to prevent activities that support terrorist organizations operating in foreign countries," Mahmud added.
POTA also grants authorities the power to act against individuals involved with foreign terrorist organisations.
He said the Special Measures Against Terrorism in Foreign Countries Act 2015 (Smata) is another crucial law designed to address those involved in terrorism abroad.
"Smata supports the government's efforts to combat global terrorism. While Malaysia already has laws dealing with terrorism-related crimes, there is a need to update or introduce new laws to tackle issues such as the involvement of locals in foreign mercenary forces.
"With the increasing security threats, it is necessary to revise current laws to make them more responsive to emerging security challenges and to strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism," he said.
On Monday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had confirmed that a Malaysian whose personal documents were reportedly discovered on a battlefield in Ukraine has been identified as a mercenary.
He had told the New Straits Times that investigations revealed the 20-year-old man was alive and well.
An investigation had been launched as soon as images of his documents went viral on social media recently; and the man has been in Ukraine since April and had undergone military training, Razarudin had said.