Malaysian militant Mahmud Ahmad is presumed to be dead as he is no longer seen in Marawi, Philippines, or on social media, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said today.

At the same time, Hishammuddin told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur that final confirmation from Malaysia can only be made once Mahmud's remains have been found and matched with DNA retrieved from his family members.

"We can't confirm his death until his body is found, that's (the) fact. It could be part of their strategy too (to hide the body).

"But (also) the fact that he has not been seen sending orders out on social media, the fact that he has not been seen in Marawi, the fact he has not been bragging on social media that he's still alive, we assume he is no longer effective," he said...