Kuala lumpur: Police require a longer investigation period to probe a case involving six local males, with three of them being minors, who were recently detained for allegedly being involved in activities oriented towards the ideology of the Daesh terrorist group. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive investigation, despite some parties urging that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) 2012 not be applied to the minors involved.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation in the context of terrorism, stating that the police action has drawn criticism, particularly from human rights advocates who oppose the use of SOSMA against minors. He stressed that, in matters of security threats like terrorism, the police need ample time to complete their investigation.
Explaining the complexities involved, Saifuddin Nasution noted that if the case involves activities in a neighboring country, it necessitates contact with foreign authorities for information verification and suspect profiling, a process that cannot be rushed. He assured the public of his trust in the police team, which had conducted extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering before making the arrests.
Saifuddin Nasution further elaborated that the suspects, aged 16 to 21, were detained based on meticulous intelligence work by the Special Branch, which monitored their activities on social media and online platforms. Investigations revealed new methods of spreading extremist ideology, including through online games, which can influence individuals to support or join violent movements.
He warned of the dangers posed by such ideologies in Malaysia's multicultural society, which has historically maintained peace despite diverse views. Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail announced that police had foiled an attempt to revive Daesh ideology in the country, arresting the suspects during operations conducted in the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah, and Terengganu.