PETALING JAYA – Terrorism experts have warned that some 20 South-east Asian terror outfits have pledged loyalty to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

They also warned that ISIS militants are targeting wealthy businessmen in Malaysia and it is essential for the country to step up preventive security.

Some observers said that bodyguards are expected to step up security to safeguard their clients.

Malaysian Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said last week that ISIS has plans to kidnap tycoons and rob banks in Malaysia to finance its terrorist activities.

…Bilveer Singh, adjunct senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s Centre of Excellence for National Security, said ISIS was global in nature and anyone could be a potential target, including Malaysia.

He said it is evident ISIS has started attacking targets worldwide, including in Paris, Sydney and other cities.