COMMENT | We strongly condemn the recent use of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) by the Royal Malaysia Police to detain children who are victims of terrorist recruitment through social media and online gaming platforms.

There is growing international concern that terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting digital spaces and online gaming platforms to recruit and indoctrinate children. These tactics are evolving rapidly and often outpace the responses of governments.

In such circumstances, the children involved are primarily victims of manipulation, grooming, and indoctrination, and should therefore be addressed through protection, rehabilitation, and psychosocial intervention, rather than restrictive security detention.

While we welcome the reported release of the children involved on March 13, it is essential that...