Malaysia has condemned the so-called Islamic State militant group (IS) for its brutality in torching to death a captive Jordanian Air Force pilot.

Yesterday, the IS released a video purportedly showing the burning alive of Muath Kasaesbeh who was captured on Dec 24 after his plane crashed in Hamra Ghannam, Syria.

It has been described as the IS' most brutal execution yet of a foreign hostage.

In a statement today, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman described Malaysia's shock at the crime of despicable barbarity which manifested IS' cycle of violence and contempt against humanity.

"Malaysia is united with the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well as the Jordanian people in this moment of shock and sorrow, while condemning strongly the senseless barbarity and terror tactics," he said.