Permatang pauh: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for youths to be strengthened through education, clear guidance, and awareness to prevent them from being influenced by extremist ideologies linked to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. He emphasized the importance of equipping young individuals with the necessary knowledge to resist external influences while officiating the opening of Masjid Mengkuang Titi and the Nuzul Quran celebration.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar's comments come in the wake of the emergence of a small group of youths, aged 18 to 19, who were found to have been influenced by elements promoting the establishment of IS. The Prime Minister highlighted a recent statement by the Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, regarding this group, which had been incited by external forces linked to ISIS, teaching dangerous activities such as bomb-making.

Anwar expressed gratitude that the situation remains under control, crediting the police (PDRM) for their efficient actions in identifying the individuals involved. However, he urged against complacency, stressing the need for children to have a strong foundation of knowledge and guidance to resist such external influences.

The arrest of six teenagers, including three minors, in a special operation has foiled an attempt to revive IS ideology in the country. The suspects, aged 16 to 21, were detained by the Special Branch in a two-day operation starting February 14, conducted in the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah, and Terengganu.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had pledged allegiance to IS leaders and were actively recruiting new members while in possession of propaganda materials linked to the terrorist organisation. Alarmingly, they were also plotting attacks on strategic targets, including police stations, key government locations, and public facilities within the country.