Mohamad Awang, previously convicted in 2018, sentenced again for possessing Daesh-related content.

In a disconcerting recurrence, the Malaysian judiciary has once again grappled with the unsettling issue of domestic terrorism affiliations. On February 12, 2025, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur sentenced 49-year-old former contractor, Mohamad Awang, to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing materials linked to the Daesh terrorist organization. This case not only underscores the persistent threat of radicalization within Malaysia but also raises pressing questions about the efficacy of rehabilitation and monitoring mechanisms for individuals previously convicted of similar offenses.

The specter of domestic terrorism has long cast a shadow over Malaysia’s national security landscape. The nation’s strategic location and diverse population have, at times, made it susceptible to extremist ideologies. In recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to curb the spread of radicalism, implementing stringent laws and proactive monitoring. However, the recurrence of cases like that of Mohamad Awang highlights the challenges inherent in combating ideological indoctrination and ensuring public safety.

The Case of Mohamad Awang

On June 23, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a raid at a residence in Taman Daya, Johor Bahru, where they apprehended Mohamad Awang. During the operation, authorities seized a mobile phone and a laptop containing materials associated with the Daesh terrorist group. Subsequent investigations revealed that Mohamad had previously been convicted in 2018 under Section 130JA of the Penal Code, which pertains to offenses related to traveling or attempting to travel to a foreign country for the commission of terrorist acts. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for that offense and was released on June 21, 2022. Despite his prior conviction and imprisonment, Mohamad resumed activities linked to terrorist propaganda, leading to his latest arrest and conviction.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Nur Ainaa Ridzwan advocated for the maximum sentence of seven years, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and its implications for national security. She highlighted Mohamad’s prior conviction and his subsequent return to extremist activities as indicative of a lack of remorse and a continued threat to society. In her statement, DPP Nur Ainaa asserted, “The accused had been previously sentenced to eight years jail in 2018 under Section 130JA of the Penal Code. However, the accused still did not take any remedial action after he was released on June 21, 2022, and returned to the group.”

In defense, attorney Shah Wira Abdul Halim pleaded for leniency, citing Mohamad’s familial responsibilities, including his role as a husband and caretaker for his 73-year-old mother. He contended that Mohamad had expressed genuine remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation, stating, “My client has repented, regretted, and promised not to repeat the same mistake and try to improve himself in a better direction.”

After considering the arguments, Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid sentenced Mohamad to five years in prison, with the term commencing from the date of his arrest on June 23, 2024. The sentence reflects the court’s attempt to balance the severity of the offense with the mitigating factors presented by the defense.

Broader Implications and Recurring Challenges

Mohamad’s case is not an isolated incident. In recent times, Malaysian courts have adjudicated several cases involving individuals found in possession of Daesh-related materials:

• December 20, 2024: Former welder Muhammad Fesool Haron, 35, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing videos and images associated with the Daesh group on his mobile phone. Notably, Muhammad had a prior conviction in 2017 for supporting a terrorist group, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison.
• January 9, 2025: Former marketing officer Suhaini Sarwan, 47, received a three-year prison sentence after admitting to possessing articles and books related to the Daesh terrorist group. The materials were discovered during a police operation in Kota Tinggi, Johor.

These cases underscore a troubling pattern: individuals previously convicted of terrorism-related offenses or those with no prior criminal records are found engaging in activities that propagate extremist ideologies. This recurrence raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current deradicalization programs and the challenges in monitoring individuals post-release.

Rehabilitation and Monitoring

Malaysia has implemented various deradicalization initiatives aimed at rehabilitating individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses. These programs often encompass religious counseling, vocational training, and efforts to reintegrate individuals into society. However, the reoffending cases suggest potential gaps in these initiatives.

One significant challenge is the deeply entrenched nature of extremist beliefs.

Sources: Malay Mail (2025), Free Malaysia Today (2025)

Keywords: Daesh, Terrorism, Malaysia, High Court, Sentencing, National Security, Radicalization, Legal Proceedings, Law Enforcement, Judicial System