Bukit Aman sees red over Bangi shop selling militant merchandise

Federal police are expected to come down hard on their counterparts in Selangor following reports today of a shop in Bandar Baru Bangi selling Islamic State (IS) merchandise.

A source told The Malaysian Insider that all district and state police contingents had been briefed last year on detecting and reporting militant activities.

"Although this is just a shop which sells T-shirts, flags and caps, but these items are militant-themed and bear the symbols of such group.

"It is tantamount to promoting terrorism and the police in the area should have taken action or alerted Bukit Aman (Federal police)," the source said.

The Malaysian Insider was made aware of efforts by Bukit Aman last year to educate state and district police on being alert about militant activities.

"A hotline was set up for state and district police to alert Bukit Aman should they have any information about such activities, including promoting militancy."

The source said it was disappointing to read about the existence of the shop.

The Star today reported that it was doing brisk business.

“I am doing this for Allah and if I am doing it for Him, I should not be afraid,” the shopkeeper, who declined to be named, told the daily.

From the outside, the shop appears nondescript, belying the controversial items sold within.

Filled with militant-themed flags, T-shirts and caps, the shop sells items bearing the symbols of militant groups, especially the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) and Taliban.

The shopkeeper said he has been operating for three months, with the items made and imported from Indonesia.

The Star reported that the shop seemed to be a hub for militants and their supporters who go there to equip themselves with the latest Isis paraphernalia.

Isis T-shirts are retailing at RM59, while stickers with Isis and Taliban logos are going for RM5 to RM10 each.

Some of the T-shirts were emblazoned with phrases like “Mujahideen cyberspace” and “We declare war against the Zionists”.

“There is a high demand for the merchandise and business is picking up since the store opened three months ago," the shopkeeper was quoted as saying.

He said the shop was a family business. – January 9, 2014.

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