Malaysia has asked the Syrian authorities to verify allegations on the involvement of Malaysians in militant activities in the Middle East country.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said Malaysia abhorred and did not condone any act of terrorism or extremism by any party, including its own nationals.

It pointed out that Malaysia was a peace-loving country which practised moderation.

The statement alluded to claims that 15 Malaysian nationals involved in terrorism and jihadist activities with the militant Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) had been killed in Syria.

It was also alleged that apart from Malaysians, nationals from other countries, including several Asean nations, were also involved in such activities in Syria.

"The ministry is working closely with the relevant Malaysian authorities on this matter and has also requested the Syrian authorities to verify the allegations," said the statement.

The allegations were reportedly made by a New York-based Syrian official at a press conference on June 18.

- Bernama