KUALA LUMPUR - The six suspected Islamic State (IS) members nabbed were discussing terrorism-related activities on social media and messaging platforms, says Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The Inspector-General of Police said the suspects were believed to have communicated through WhatsApp and maintained connections with individuals in neighbouring countries.
He said investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement.
"Discussions within the WhatsApp group allegedly touched on extremist ideas, including potential attacks on police personnel and houses of worship.
"Initial investigations by the Special Branch indicated that the group had been active for about a year," he told a press conference in Bukit Aman on Friday (March 6).
The IGP said investigators also found that the suspects were first exposed to extremist narratives through mainstream social media before moving into closed messaging groups such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
He added that several other individuals believed to be linked to the group are still at large.
“There may be individuals in their 30s and 40s who could be connected to the network.
"We need time and are working with authorities from neighbouring countries to obtain further information and track them down,” he said.
He said the police are also examining whether exposure to social media content and excessive online gaming influenced the suspects’ radicalisation.
Mohd Khalid cited the attack in Ulu Tiram as an example of how online indoctrination could gradually shape a person’s mindset before leading to lone-wolf actions.
He said Special Branch monitoring since 2024 had detected attempts by militant elements to recruit teenagers through online platforms.
“These groups try to influence youths who become obsessed with issues circulating on social media. In some cases, there is also a lack of parental monitoring,” he said.
The suspects were believed to have been influenced by online narratives related to geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and discussions portraying certain countries as un-Islamic.
Investigations also revealed that some of them joined or created pro-IS groups on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Discord.
Mohd Khalid warned that prolonged exposure to extremist content online, including online gaming, could seriously affect the mental development of young people.
“Continuous exposure to negative or extremist content on digital platforms, if not addressed early, can influence emotions and behaviour, potentially leading to impulsive or aggressive actions that threaten public safety,” he said.
He stressed that the police remain vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the country against any terror threats.
Mohd Khalid also urged the public not to speculate or spread false information that could cause unnecessary alarm.
“All actions taken by the police are based on detailed analysis and in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s security situation remains under control. - THE STAR