Universiti Technology Mara (UiTM) students and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) sponsored students here and abroad, have been warned to stay away from activities that can threaten the security of the nation.

Mara chairperson Annuar Musa said students found to have links with terrorist movements would be expelled and their sponsorship withdrawn immediately.

“Students sponsored by Mara and studying abroad are not allowed to be associated with organisations that are not recognised by Mara, Malaysian embassy or the respective universities.

“This applies to students studying here, too. If they (students) are found to have been involved in such organisations or associations, they will be expelled and further action taken,” he told reporters after hosting a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at his residence in Bukit Marak, Peringat in Kota Baru today.

Annuar was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement yesterday claiming he was worried that the influence of Islamic State (IS) was strongest at higher learning institutions.

He said 200,000 students are studying in UiTM throughout the country, including Mara-sponsored students overseas.

“We are monitoring the situation and only a few reports of such involvement have emerged from the authorities in the United States. They (US) have informed us that some Mara students are involved and we have held counselling sessions with them,” he said, adding that Mara viewed such issues seriously.

“Everyone has to monitor and play a role in nipping such problems in the bud. All activities of students must be screened by the university because such issues have become a global problem,” he said.

About 15,000 people from all walks of life and race turned up for Annuar’s open house.

- Bernama