Extremist groups now using online platforms, games to recruit: DIGP

The threat posed by militant and extremist groups is unlikely to diminish and will continue to evolve through increasingly sophisticated methods and technologies, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said.

He said recruitment tactics have shifted from physical meetings to online platforms, including video games such as Roblox.

“The threat from militant and extremist groups, as well as deviant teachings, will continue to exist. While recruitment previously took place through physical usrah (religious study circle) sessions, it is now largely conducted online.

“They are now using platforms, including games such as Roblox, to identify potential recruits and attract new members,” he told reporters after the launch of his biography, “Dari Pendang ke Bukit Aman: Jejak Integriti” (From Pendang to Bukit Aman: A Journey of Integrity) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Also present were Malacca governor Ali Rustam, Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar, Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Rusdi Isa, and Internal Security and Public Order Department director Yusri Hassan Basri.

Ayob said extremist ideologies are no longer driven solely by religious motivations but are increasingly fuelled by emotional triggers and deep-seated hatred.

“There are cases where individuals, driven by anger, are motivated to carry out attacks. This was evident in several recent arrests involving teenagers.

“The modus operandi has changed. That is why the police must always stay one step ahead in countering these threats. If we remain passive instead of proactive, attacks could occur in Malaysia, and that would constitute an intelligence failure,” he said.

In this regard, Ayob urged the Special Branch’s Counter-Terrorism Division and other relevant units to remain vigilant in detecting, preventing, and neutralising potential threats before any attack can be carried out.

Retiring after 35 years

Meanwhile, Ayob also confirmed that he will be retiring this Sunday after nearly 35 years in the police force.

He had served in the Special Branch, including the Counter-Terrorism Division, and held positions such as the Johor police chief, Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director and Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director before being appointed deputy inspector-general of police in June 2023.

“Insya-Allah, this Sunday (July 26) will be my last day with the force after serving in the police for almost 35 years,” he said.

Commenting on his plans after retirement, he said he has received several offers but has yet to make any decision.

“There are several offers, but I have not thought about them yet. I want to rest for a while,” he said.

He jokingly said he wanted to open a mamak restaurant before clarifying that his actual intention was to spend quality time and rest after retirement.

He also hinted at plans to produce another, more detailed book on the high-profile operations he had carried out, subject to the declassification of related materials before they can be shared with the public.

Integrity most important

Earlier, in his speech at the biography launch, Ayob said positions and ranks are temporary, and one must learn to relinquish the responsibilities entrusted to them.

“Ranks will end, positions will change, and uniforms will eventually be hung up. Learn to let go. Everything we have today is temporary,” he said.

He said he hoped to be remembered not for the positions he held, but for his efforts in upholding the principle that the law must be enforced with fairness and integrity.

“The people’s trust cannot be bought or sold. More than half of my life was spent with Sang Saka Biru. This force shaped me; this force taught me discipline, courage, sacrifice and loyalty,” he said.

Ayob reminded that integrity must serve as the main pillar for every police personnel, as the power vested in the force comes with challenges, trials and temptations.

“When we join the police force, we are given a lot of power. If we are not strong in terms of integrity, we will go astray. We may end up doing wrong things because the temptations are strong,” he said.

He said integrity must be upheld by every individual and reflected through every decision and action.

“The higher the position given, the greater the challenges and pressures that must be faced. It is at such moments that integrity cannot remain just a slogan; it must be translated into decisions and actions,” he said.

Revealing the foundation of his strong stance, he said it stemmed from a simple reminder from his late father not to take what belongs to others.

“When I joined the police, I truly understood the meaning behind that advice. It was not merely about not taking other people’s possessions; it also meant not abusing power, not accepting bribes and not betraying the people’s trust,” he said.

The biography launched yesterday documents Ayob’s experiences in governance and integrity, serving as a reference for police personnel, university students, youths, civil servants and the wider community.

- Bernama

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