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MALAYSIA possesses strong capabilities in detecting the presence of foreign intelligence agents or spies operating within its borders, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Responding to questions in Parliament, Saifuddin acknowledged the very real threat posed by foreign espionage, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. He said agents may enter Malaysia under various guises to covertly obtain sensitive information for the benefit of external interests.
“We have both historical and recent examples of successfully identifying espionage activities. It is a very serious potential threat, particularly within the current geopolitical landscape,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
He noted that Malaysia’s firm stance on global issues, such as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s outspoken support for Gaza, could place the country under scrutiny by foreign powers.
“For instance, Malaysia may be a target for Israel. Our prime minister has been vocal in criticising certain countries, and several local NGOs are actively advocating the issue. This may attract attention,” he said, in response to a question from Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN–Ketereh).
Saifuddin added that while foreign diplomats, such as ambassadors and high commissioners, are known entities, covert operatives operate under a veil of secrecy. “We may not know the number of foreign spies present. Their mode of operation is designed to avoid detection.”
He further clarified that when such individuals are detected and convicted, they are typically deported after serving their sentence — a process distinct from extradition.
“Extradition applies when the individual is also wanted in their home country and we have a formal agreement in place. Deportation, however, applies when the offence is committed here, and the individual is sent home and blacklisted afterwards,” he explained.
Malaysia currently has extradition treaties with 11 countries.
Saifuddin cited the 2022 case involving an attempted kidnapping of two Palestinian nationals — Omar al-Bebaisi and Muhammad al-Hadad — by a local woman allegedly recruited by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency as a stark reminder of the risks involved.
He stressed that espionage represents a multifaceted threat, whether political, economic or military in nature. To mitigate this, Malaysian police and intelligence agencies have enhanced their detection and counter-espionage capabilities.
“Our response involves three key pillars: prevention, detection and enforcement,” he said.
This includes real-time monitoring of suspects, strengthening cyber intelligence units, tightening security vetting procedures, and reinforcing international cooperation. - August 21, 2025