PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned that young people must be protected from violent extremist influences and manipulation by foreign actors seeking to interfere in the country’s political affairs, following revelations that school students were involved in terrorist preparations.
Speaking at the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s monthly assembly on Monday, Anwar said the issue required serious attention after the Inspector-General of Police disclosed that teenagers had been implicated in plans linked to extremist activities.
“Recently, even school children in their teens were involved in preparations for violent activities, as announced by the IGP.
“Our children are being raised incorrectly, exposed incorrectly, and then there are external, foreign plans that are jealous and want to interfere in our national political affairs,” he said.
“This should serve as a warning for us to remain vigilant,” he added.
The prime minister’s remarks follow the arrest of six youths, including three minors aged between 16 and 21, during a special operation conducted by the Bukit Aman Special Branch on Feb 14 and 15.
The suspects were detained in several locations including the Klang Valley, Kedah, Johor and Terengganu. Authorities believe they were involved in activities linked to the Islamic State militant group.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail previously said investigations showed the suspects had pledged allegiance to Islamic State leaders and were planning attacks targeting police stations, government installations and other public facilities.
Anwar said the developments underscored the need for vigilance among authorities, families and society at large to ensure that young Malaysians are not exposed to radical ideologies or manipulated by outside forces. - March 9, 2026
