Malaysia

Ministry seeks probe into online platforms after teen extremism arrests

Fahmi urges regulator to consult police following arrests of six youths allegedly linked to Daesh-inspired activities

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 07 Mar 2026 10:16AM

Ministry seeks probe into online platforms after teen extremism arrests
Concerns focus on online games and digital content influencing radicalisation (Photo from Reuters) - March 7, 2026

THE Communications Ministry has instructed the national communications regulator to seek detailed information from police following the arrest of six teenagers suspected of involvement in extremist activities linked to Daesh.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would contact the Royal Malaysia Police in the coming days to obtain further details about the case and determine whether specific online platforms may have played a role.

The move aims to identify any potential issues involving certain applications and, if necessary, engage with service providers to support investigations and further action.

“This matter is quite concerning to me… among the findings of the investigation so far, it appears that some of them have shown an interest in extremist movements through games like Roblox, as well as content they may have viewed on social media or streaming platforms.

“In the near future, I will request that MCMC liaise with Bukit Aman to obtain detailed information on the steps we may need to assist with, to ensure that if there are issues involving any specific applications, appropriate action can be taken,” he told reporters after attending an iftar and Aidilfitri contribution event organised by Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

Fahmi said the information gathered would allow the ministry to call in operators or service providers of any platforms involved and seek their cooperation with the police to assist investigations or subsequent action.

The development follows a police operation that disrupted an alleged attempt to revive the ideology of the Daesh militant group in Malaysia.

The Royal Malaysia Police carried out the operation through its Special Branch over two days beginning 14 February, arresting six suspects across several locations including the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah and Terengganu.

According to Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, the suspects, aged between 16 and 21, included three minors.

He said the group had not only pledged allegiance to the leadership of Daesh but had also been actively supporting the organisation, recruiting new members and possessing propaganda materials linked to the militant group. - March 7, 2026

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