Jakarta – A Malaysian council has detected activities of the Indonesian Islamic State Movement (GNII, Gerakan Negara Islam Indonesia) in Selangor State.

Selangor Council of State Security said in its report that the GNII was a popular and active underground movement in the state.

Saad Khiruddin, chairman of the council, said that the group's secretive character has made it difficult for local authorities to stamp out the movement, Antara reported.

NII activities were dated as far back as the earliest years of Indonesian independence.

It caught public attention again early this decade when one of its chapters recruited new members through prayer groups at public and university mosques. (dre)