Penang: Police are keeping a close watch on heretical groups in the country to prevent their teachings from escalating into extremist ideologies that could threaten public safety and national security. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay stated that continuous monitoring was crucial to prevent ideologies from developing into terrorist or militant threats.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ayob Khan emphasized the importance of police involvement in monitoring deviant teachings, addressing criticism from certain parties who questioned the police's role in such matters. He pointed out that these teachings have the potential to evolve into extremist ideologies, eventually leading to terrorist or militant activities. Ayob Khan stressed the necessity of taking preemptive action if such teachings cross the security line and pose a threat.

Ayob Khan further explained that the police would maintain close cooperation with various state and religious authorities, including the Mufti Department, state Islamic religious authorities, and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), to address issues related to deviant teachings. He referenced past cases, such as the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) group, to illustrate how deviant teachings, if left unchecked, can develop into significant threats to national security.

The deputy inspector-general noted that most of the heretical groups currently under police monitoring involved local individuals, with their ideologies being influenced by foreign elements. He also disclosed that 14 deviant teachings had been identified as still active in the country and were under close surveillance by the authorities.