Police thwarts Attempt To Revive Daesh Ideology; Six Detained, Including Three Minors

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has successfully dismantled an attempt to revive the DAESH terrorist group's ideology in the country following the arrest of six individuals, including three children, in a recent special operation.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said that the operation, launched by the Special Branch on Feb 14 and 15, covered areas in the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah, and Terengganu.

He revealed that all suspects detained are local males aged between 16 and 21, with three of them being minors under the age of 18.

"Investigations revealed that the suspects had not only pledged allegiance (baiah) to DAESH leaders but were also active in providing support, recruiting new members, and possessing the terrorist group's propaganda materials.

"More concerningly, they were detected planning attacks on strategic targets, including police stations, key government locations, and public interest facilities within the country," he said during a press conference at Bukit Aman here today.

Also present at the press conference were Special Branch Director Datuk Ibrahim Darus and Head of the Counter-Terrorism Assistant Director (E8), Datuk Azman Abd Razak.

Commenting on the group's modus operandi, Mohd Khalid said the suspects' tendency to browse social media content related to geopolitical crises in the Middle East, combined with a deep interest in online gaming -specifically ‘Roblox’ - served as the starting point for their radicalisation.

According to him, the gaming platform and communication apps such as Discord, Telegram and WhatsApp were used to spread extremist ideologies and discuss attack plans to evade detection by authorities.

"Continuous exposure to negative content on these digital platforms influenced their emotions and behavior, leading to impulsive and aggressive actions as early as their teenage years," he said, adding that the group also had links to pro-IS chat groups in a neighbouring country with up to 1,000 members.

During the operation, police seized various equipment, including 11 mobile phones, laptops, IS flags, and books containing extremist elements. 

Mohd Khalid added that all suspects are being investigated under Chapter 6A of the Penal Code for terrorism-related offences, following the procedures of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).

"The prosecution has agreed to charge all six suspects in court next week under various sections, including Section 130J for promoting a terrorist group and Section 130JB for possession of terrorism-related materials," he said.

Mohd Khalid added that despite the arrests, PDRM will continue further investigations to track down any remaining individuals or external influences attempting to exploit youths in Malaysia.

He also advised parents to monitor their children's activities, especially their digital interactions, to ensure they do not get caught up in propaganda that could threaten the security and sovereignty of the country.

-- BERNAMA