In an interview with FMT, lawyers Nik Zarith Nik Mustapha and Adi Zulkarnain Zulkifli shared their experiences handling cases under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, related to IS activities here.

Nik Zarith said that many of the accused persons were blue-collar workers and did not come from a religious background.

“Some of them are still looking to understand the religion better.

“However, instead of going to the ustaz (religious teachers) or to the mosques and surau, they choose other, possibly easier alternatives.

“This includes looking for people who are personally inclined towards IS.

“That’s when they are influenced by the wrong IS teachings. They easily fall under their influence and accept whatever they preach.”

Nik Zarith said that many of them did not fully understand the concept of jihad.

Echoing the same sentiments, Adi Zulkarnain said that for these people, it started with good intentions to better understand the religion, only that they took the wrong path.

“Once they’re fully involved in IS, all considerations of family go out the window.

“That is why we read in the media of those who willingly leave everything to go to Syria.”