KUCHING: The Malaysian government is urged to launch a campaign against terrorism to ensure every citizen is aware of possible terrorist activities.
Sarawak Community Policing Association (SCPA) chairman Datuk John Lau stressed this in response to the arrest of three suspects in Serian linked to the Ansar Al-Shariah Al-Tunisia terrorist group.
“Our citizens must be watchful of what is happening in their neighbourhood and report any suspicious figures to the police without hesitation,” he said yesterday.
He advised the public to immediately report to the police if they see anyone causing violence, treachery and threats to national security.
“We need to be eyes and ears to the police to keep our community, Sarawak and Malaysia safe and peaceful.”
He also urged citizens to seek police help should they receive or see hateful or extremist messages online or through their phones.
“We need to be aware of online terrorist propaganda which is a fairly new phenomenon. In the real world, terrorist groups have proven highly resilient to counterterrorism efforts, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the same dynamic is true on social platforms like Facebook,” Lau said.
“Citizens must not get involved in actions that cause threat, safety and security to our country.”
Asked on his advice to locals wanting to marry foreigners, Lau said they must be careful as “we must know their objective of marrying locals here.”
He urged them to check the foreigners’ background before agreeing to marriage, and also check with the police for any criminal records or links to terrorism.
“Don’t and never marry a foreigner through local culture. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. Marry a wrong one will ruin your future,” Lau stressed.
Meanwhile, he congratulated the police for doing an outstanding job in arresting the suspects, and keeping the community safe.
“The police are very consistent and always take timely actions against any threats to the country.”
