TAWAU and Sandakan in Sabah have been identified as new transit points for Islamic State terrorists to travel into Southeast Asia,the southern Philippines and Rakhine State in Myanmar.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said the police had become more vigilant, increasing security levels at houses of worship and diplomatic missions.
Terrorist threats are looming in Malaysia and greater attention needs to be given to them.
This shows that IS has a good ground network and has identified Malaysia as a platform to launch attacks.
The recent increased participation of women in terrorist activities indicates yet another concern.
Previously, women were seen as taking a more passive role, but the current trend indicates a shift.
For example, in 2015, a 14-year-old girl, suspected of pursuing terrorist causes, was arrested by the police at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport while attempting to board a Cairo-bound flight.
The question arises as to the level of monitoring that is being carried out by intelligence and security agencies on the friends,family members and extended members of terrorists.
Brenton Harrison Tarrant, who perpetrated the Christ-church attacks, and hate preacher Zahran Hashim, who reportedly masterminded the Sri Lankan attacks, were classified as low-level threats.
Agencies tend to focus on more imminent terrorist threats.
Low-level terrorists tend to be part of sleeper cells as was witnessed in Sri Lanka where nine suicide bombers were part of the attacks.
Political and religious leaders must play a central role.
They must actively address and openly discuss this issue with the public and reiterate that the path taken by terrorists is illegal and religiously unacceptable.
As pointed out by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Islamic bodies need to be vigilant against religious fanatics and extremist groups and emphasise that Islam promotes harmony and opposes all forms of violence.
We cannot afford to compromise national security.
The peace and security of Malaysia is vital and we should not allow ourselves to be held hostage by racial and religious emotions.
R.PANEIR SELVAM
Institute of Crime and Criminology,HELP University