"Security agencies are seriously investigating, especially as there is confirmation that Mossad is not only present in Malaysia but has also successfully recruited or collaborated with locals, including couples, turning them into spies or accomplices," Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the Malaysian parliament today, in response to questions about the country's plans to counter Israeli intelligence operations.

Malaysia prosecuted an Israeli citizen named Shalom Avitan in February for collaborating with a couple in Selangor to smuggle weapons. Avitan was sentenced to 7 years in prison for possessing 6 unlicensed guns and a large quantity of ammunition. The 39-year-old is the first Israeli citizen to be prosecuted and imprisoned in Malaysia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks in Jakarta, Indonesia, 27/6. Photo: AFP

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks in Jakarta, Indonesia, 27/6. Photo: AFP

Israeli media identified Avitan as a gang member connected to the Musli crime family in Israel. He told police that he was pursuing the leader of a rival gang believed to be hiding in Malaysia. However, Prime Minister Anwar seemed to imply Avitan had connections to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.

"One recent case involves a Selangor couple accused of colluding with a Mossad agent, smuggling weapons from Thailand into Malaysia. These individuals have been arrested and are currently in jail," Anwar said, adding that suspected Mossad agents often operate with great sophistication and escape quickly, creating difficulties for Malaysian security forces.

He believes Malaysia is being targeted "partly because of its strong stance on certain international issues," particularly its vocal opposition to Israel. In November 2024, Prime Minister Anwar accused Israel of violating international law in the Gaza war and suggested the country should be "expelled" from the United Nations.

Anwar noted that Malaysian security is also seriously assessing threats from other international intelligence agencies, not just Mossad.

Countermeasures being implemented include increased investment in counterintelligence capabilities, upgrading the automated immigration system, and strengthening coordination with international organizations like Interpol to improve security screening.

Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, supports Palestine and has criticized Israel's campaigns in Gaza. Approximately 600 Palestinian refugees are living in Malaysia, according to United Nations data.

In 2018, a Palestinian scientist was shot dead in Kuala Lumpur by two unidentified suspects. The armed group Hamas accused Israel's Mossad intelligence agency of carrying out the attack, but Tel Aviv denied involvement.

Thanh Danh (FMT, Sinar Daily, SCMP)