Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed today that 154 Malaysians, including infants, have been involved in the activities of the Islamic State (IS).

"Individuals involved with the militant group IS comprise various age groups, from age one to 60 years old.

"This is very concerning to the government as it also involves children," Zahid ( photo ) said in a parliamentary written reply to Umno's Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz.

However, Zahid did not elaborate on the exact number of children involved or how they were used in the operations of the terrorist group.

Of the 154 people involved in the IS activities, Zahid said, police have arrested 91 of them before they could leave for the conflict zone in the Middle East.

45 Malaysians still fighting

However, he said, 45 Malaysian citizens are already fighting in the conflict zone, 11 have been killed in combat and the remaining seven have returned to Malaysia after the fighting.

Of the seven, police have arrested six while another is on the run.

Zahid said the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota), which was passed by Parliament last month, would help police to take action against such individuals.

"This new preventive law emphasises the rehabilitation process and this is very suitable with the government's intention to give them a chance to rehabilitate and integrate into society," he said.

He also urged Malaysians to distance themselves from any activity related to IS.