KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today voiced concern over the participation of school-going teenagers in terrorist-related activities in Malaysia.
He stressed that the revelation by Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail should be taken seriously, as the involvement of youths could be linked to misguided upbringing or harmful exposure, Bernama reported.
“Recently, schoolchildren — even those in their teens — were found to be involved in preparations for acts of violence, as revealed by the Inspector-General of Police. Our children (involved) could have been misled through wrong upbringing or exposure (at certain levels),” Anwar said.
Speaking at a gathering with staff of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Anwar urged all parties to remain vigilant against the radicalisation of young people and manipulation by foreign actors seeking to interfere in the nation’s political affairs.
Also present at the event were Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Mohd Khalid had earlier revealed that police had thwarted an attempt to revive the ideology of a terrorist group, with the arrest of six youths, including three minors, during a special operation. The suspects, aged between 16 and 21, were detained in a two-day operation conducted by the Special Branch from February 14 across the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah and Terengganu.
Anwar also called on Malaysians to maintain unity and protect the peace currently enjoyed in the country.
“Although our country remains peaceful, we should not be complacent. National defence agencies must remain alert to face any possible threats. There are foreign elements that are jealous and want to interfere in our national political affairs. This should make us more vigilant,” he said. – March 9, 2026