Police's Special Branch holds anti-terrorism exhibition

New Straits Times

4 days ago

BATU KAWAN: The police have brought an anti-terrorism exhibition to the National Unity Week at the Batu Kawan Stadium grounds, aimed at raising public awareness of the dangers of involvement in terrorist activities.
Federal police Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division (E8) staff officer ACP Ridzuan Abdul Aziz said the exhibition is also intended to enhance public understanding of terrorism threats and the importance of community cooperation in countering such activities.
"We are bringing the exhibition closer to the public to clearly explain what terrorism and extremism are, so people can understand and avoid involvement in such activities, which not only harm individuals but also the nation," he told Bernama at the event.
He said that while the exhibition is rarely held, it was featured at the Batu Kawan SMP this time to showcase various items to the public, including homemade bombs made by terrorist groups, terrorism-related books and terrorist passports.
The Unity Week, held at Batu Kawan Stadium, Penang, will run from July 17 to 20 and feature 35 engaging activities for visitors.
Among the highlights of the exhibition, Ridzuan said, are displays of seized items used in terrorist activities, visual presentations of high-profile arrest operations and interactive sessions with E8 officers who explain the processes of detecting and monitoring extremist elements.
Through the exhibition, police aim to educate the public on the early signs of involvement in terrorism, while stressing the vital role of public awareness in curbing the spread of extremism and radical ideologies.
"Previously, some Malaysians were influenced by foreign terrorist groups, such as those operating in Syria.
"However, in recent times, we have observed a shift towards domestic terrorism.
"That is why we are presenting this exhibition, to prevent, especially young people, from falling prey to terrorist groups, as they are highly exposed to such content through social media.
"These groups actively recruit through platforms like Telegram," he said.
Ridzuan described the exhibition as part of a 'prevention through education' approach, targeting all segments of society, particularly youth and students.
"We cannot rely on enforcement alone.
"The public must be educated on how radical ideologies operate and how they recruit victims, particularly through social media platforms.
"We want to make it clear that terrorism is a real and present threat, not merely a narrative meant to ignite fear," he said.
– Bernama