The police have confirmed the death of Malaysian Islamic State (IS) leader Muhammad Fudhail Omar in Syria.

According to The Star today, Fudhail was reportedly killed during a Syrian security force air strike on Raqa last month.

“We received information that he was killed last month.

“As for the other three militants, we believe they are holding out in Raqa but they are feeling the pressure of the Syrian security forces,” Bukit Aman Special Branch department director Mohamad Fuzi Harun was reported as saying.

According to the English daily, the 25-year-old militant had close connections with the slain Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi and was shortlisted as one of his replacements, along with senior IS militants Mohd Rafi Udin, Akel Zainal and Zahar Abdullah.

Fudhail, a former NGO member, went to Syria on May 2, 2014.

"Fudhail’s age is similar to Wanndy and he had the capability to recruit those aged between 25 and 35,” The Star reported a source as saying yesterday.

It added that aspiring militants were reportedly often diverted to Fudhail on Facebook when they tried to contact another militant, Akel, or others.

The source said two of Fudhail's brothers have been arrested for supporting and transferring funds to him.

“Fudhail travelled and started his operation in Syria in early 2015.

"He also provided instructions to kill police personnel and backed the suggestion of IS supporters to conduct attacks in strategic locations, including Bukit Aman,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Fuzi Harun was reported saying Malaysian militants in Iraq and Syria were considering Mindanao as possible point of retreat, should Raqa fall.

“We believe they are not returning to Malaysia, but considering southern Philippines as their last bastion,” he said.