Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution says arrests of teens linked to a terrorist group revival followed proper procedures, citing online radicalisation and a complex regional network.
KUALA LUMPUR: The arrest of individuals, including teenagers, linked to attempts to revive a terrorist group’s ideology was conducted in full compliance with police standard operating procedures.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed this following the 219th Police Day Commemoration ceremony officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Investigations revealed the teenagers had been accessing websites promoting violence.
Saifuddin explained the group possessed a multi-layered structure where older leaders radicalised and trained youths online.
“They may be 17 or 18 years old, but those above them who are training them are in their 30s and 40s,” he told reporters.
He emphasised the network’s complexity extends beyond Malaysia’s borders into other regional countries.
On March 6, media reported police had foiled the revival attempt by arresting six suspects aged 16 to 21.
Three of those detained were underage teenagers.
The Special Branch conducted the special operation over two days starting February 14 across several states.
Operations took place in the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah and Terengganu.
Regarding the West Asian conflict, Saifuddin said the Cabinet tasked his ministry and the Defence Ministry with scenario planning.
This aims to safeguard national security against potential long-term implications.
“The Prime Minister mentioned that at least two regulatory agencies are responsible for conducting observations involving the collection of accurate, valid and credible information,” he said.