The man, Mohamad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi, 26, is described as a “puppet master” who pulls the strings of Islamic State operatives in Malaysia,

He is reported to have raised at least RM100,000 , some of which went to settle his personal debts and those of his wife.

“The bulk of the cash has been used to cover his expenses in Syria,” according to anonymous intelligence sources quoted by the Star newspaper.

Mohamad Wanndy is also known as Abu Hamzah Al-Fateh, the report said.

“He has been urging militants in Malaysia to perform lone wolf attacks and even become suicide bombers but there is no evidence he himself is involved in any fighting in Syria,” a source is quoted as saying.

Mohamad Wanndy was said to have funneled RM6,000 to three militants planning to attack the Kajang police headquarters, a temple in Batu Caves and nightclubs in the Klang Valley on the eve of Merdeka Day.

The report said family members had described Mohamad Wanndy as a vindictive loner who holds grudges and who will exact revenge on anyone who has wronged him.