Extremist groups now using online platforms, games to recruit - Ayob Khan
He said recruitment tactics have shifted from physical meetings to online platforms, including video games such as Roblox.
KUALA LUMPUR - The threat posed by militant and extremist groups is unlikely to diminish and will continue to evolve through increasingly sophisticated methods and technologies, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said.
He said recruitment tactics have shifted from physical meetings to online platforms, including video games such as Roblox.
"The threat from militant and extremist groups, as well as deviant teachings, will continue to exist. While recruitment previously took place through physical usrah (religious study circle) sessions, it is now largely conducted online.
"They are now using platforms, including games such as Roblox, to identify potential recruits and attract new members," he told reporters after the launch of his biography, Dari Pendang ke Bukit Aman: Jejak Integriti (From Pendang to Bukit Aman: A Journey of Integrity), here today.
Also present were Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director Datuk M. Kumar, Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, and Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) Director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
Ayob Khan said extremist ideologies are no longer driven solely by religious motivations but are increasingly fuelled by emotional triggers and deep-seated hatred.
"There are cases where individuals, driven by anger, are motivated to carry out attacks. This was evident in several recent arrests involving teenagers.
"The modus operandi has changed. That is why the police must always stay one step ahead in countering these threats. If we remain passive instead of proactive, attacks could occur in Malaysia, and that would constitute an intelligence failure," he said.
In this regard, Ayob Khan urged the Special Branch's Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) and other relevant units to remain vigilant in detecting, preventing and neutralising potential threats before any attack can be carried out. - BERNAMA
TAGS: Ayob Khan, militant, threat, probe, techniques
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