MALACCA: The establishment of the Malacca Contingent Counter-Terrorism Unit in May 2016 has so far led to the arrest of 10 individuals engaging in militant activities in the state.
Malacca police chief, Datuk Raja Shahrom Raja Abdullah said based the number was a serious indicator that continuous monitoring was required to combat the spread of extremism.
He said the presence of the terrorist group gave the impression that Malaysia was not just a transit country, but also served as one of their targets.
“Threats are now faster and more difficult to detect as they (terrorists) use the internet including social media like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp as a medium to spread the teachings that are regarded as sacred jihad, rather than the old tactics of which the indoctrination was through usrah (religious discussions) and secret meetings.
“In addition, they are of the belief that they can strive in their respective countries without the need to go to Iraq to attract their religious followers, especially young people, to join terror groups,“ he said at the monthly assembly of the Malacca state police at the contingent headquarters, here today.
Raja Shahrom said such activities were ‘viruses’ in society including civil servants, when they invited negative or wrong perceptions about Muslims, about Islam allowing terrorism and about jihad as a form of training for terrorists.
“(However) all our security personnel are committed and will cooperate to increase patrolling and monitoring to counter these threats,“ he said.
Meanwhile, he said various issues were raised by certain parties who had their own motives or agenda to cause a polemic lately.
“This action will definitely create a sense of discomfort and invite various negative reactions among the people.
“Therefore, I would like to remind people across the state not to use the social media to make statements that could arouse racial sentiments as this could disrupt public order,“ he added. — Bernama
