Rosdy Benjamin receives a 78-year prison sentence for financing Daesh activities and possessing extremist videos.

A Malaysian welder has been sentenced to 78 years in prison after pleading guilty to financing terrorist activities and possessing Daesh-linked extremist videos

Rosdy Benjamin, 45, was convicted by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur for financing two Daesh members and possessing videos promoting terrorism. The case underscores Malaysia’s efforts to combat terrorist financing and extremism.

In a landmark case in Malaysia, welder Rosdy Benjamin has been sentenced to 78 years in prison after pleading guilty to 16 charges involving terrorist activities. The High Court in Kuala Lumpur handed down the sentence on March 25, 2025, for his involvement in financing Daesh members and possessing videos related to the terrorist group. Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin emphasized the serious nature of Rosdy’s crimes, noting the need for a substantial sentence to serve as both a deterrent and a lesson to others.

Rosdy’s charges stemmed from his involvement in handling RM63,450 (approximately SGD 5,270) through his Maybank account between 2015 and 2016. The funds were withdrawn and transferred to two individuals associated with the Daesh group. Additionally, Rosdy was found to have possessed two extremist videos on his mobile phone in 2023, further solidifying his connection to terrorism.

The sentence included five years for each of the 15 charges related to handling terrorist property, as well as three years for possessing the videos. However, all the sentences will be served concurrently, starting from his arrest on August 24, 2023. During the sentencing, Judge Muhammad Jamil acknowledged Rosdy’s guilty plea but emphasized the severity of the crime, especially considering its threat to national security.

Rosdy’s defense cited his family responsibilities, including his wife, children, and elderly parents, as factors to consider during sentencing. Despite his remorseful stance, the court stressed that the gravity of his actions outweighed these personal circumstances. The prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mariam Jamielah Ab Manaff, sought a firm sentence to deter similar acts of terrorism.

This case serves as a significant reminder of the ongoing battle against terrorism and the importance of stringent measures to prevent the financing of extremist groups. As Malaysia continues to strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts, cases like Rosdy’s highlight the need for constant vigilance in both financial transactions and the spread of extremist ideologies.

Sources: Malay Mail (2025), The Star (2025)

Keywords: Terrorist Financing, Daesh, Malaysian Court, Terrorism Videos, Rosdy Benjamin