PARLIAMENT There was an attempt by Daesh (or Islamic State) to kidnap Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak early last year, revealed Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The militant group Daesh has also targeted a few ministers, said Zahid in his capacity as home minister.

"On Jan 30, 2015, a total of 13 people with ties to Daesh had planned to kidnap the leaders, including home minister (Zahid) and Defence Minister (Hishamuddin Hussein)," he said at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Zahid also told the House that several attempts were launched last year including attempts to bomb Putrajaya and a building at Bukit Jalil in April.

Eleven militants also attempted to destroy entertainment outlets, suspected vice dens and gambling places in Kuala Lumpur, he said.

They also tried to rob a security van which was transporting cash from Genting Highlands, he said.

The modus operandi of the group included storming army camps to get away with firearms and explosives.

These attempts were carried out by IS followers in Malaysia, he added.

Zahid also emphasised the success of the government's de-radicalisation programme under which 97.5 percent of Daesh followers and recruits of other militant groups were de-radicalised.

He also noted that some Malaysians who went to Iran and Syria hoping they would get to brandish weapons in a war zone ended up washing toilets and sweeping the streets instead.