In 2018, a 17-year-old student was arrested for terrorist offences, including pledging allegiance to ISIS and threatening attacks on non-Muslim places of worship (Rodzi, 2018). Similarly, Malaysia’s latest IS-linked attacker, who raided an Ulu Tiram police station, was only 21.
IS actively targets Malaysian youth, particularly HEI students (Aslam, 2017). Since 2013, 40 of 340 Malaysians arrested for terrorism were HEI students (El-Muhammady, 2018). Some lecturers, like Dr Mahmud Ahmad, who funded IS in the 2017 Marawi siege, were complicit (The Strait Times, 2017). His student, Siti Aishah, was arrested with extremist books (Fadli, 2017).
El-Muhammady (2018) notes that HEIs particularly attract recruiters as they seek those with skills that may qualify them as capable terrorist leaders, especially those in medicine, engineering, and IT (Samuel, 2012).
Furthermore, the shift to online recruitment has allowed terrorists to create elusive virtual communities. Howe (2024), citing the Global Digital Report 2024, highlights that Malaysians aged 25-34 and 18-24 are Meta’s largest ad audiences, both within the 15-40 youth category under the National Youth Development Policy. This heightens youth exposure to extremist content, including distorted religious ideologies, potentially leading to consuming, sharing, and communicating terrorist materials (START, 2018).
Youth, described as a stage of self-realisation and emotional turbulence Yee (2020), face academic pressure, identity confusion, and interpersonal struggles, leaving them emotionally vulnerable. Terrorist organisations exploit this by offering identity, belonging, and purpose. Youths’ curiosity and idealistic visions (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Samuel, 2012) further expose them to extremism. In Malaysia, charismatic leaders, seen as father figures, attract isolated youths by leveraging trust (Dass & Singh, 2022; Yusof et al., 2019).
Additionally, empirical analyses show a strong link between inequality—social, political, and economic—and radicalisation leading to violent extremism (RLVE). Studies highlight that income inequality (Krieger & Meierrreiks, 2015), socio-political inequality (Franc & Pavlović, 2021), and perceived injustice (Schils & Pauwels, 2016) fuel radicalisation. Youths, often affected by poverty, unemployment, and disenfranchisement (Samuel, 2012; Barman & Dakua, 2024), are drawn to violent extremism as a means of empowerment. Terrorists exploit their frustration, glorifying violence as heroic and just (Samuel, 2020).
Given all the above, Malaysia appears especially vulnerable to the global trend of youth prioritisation by radical groups, as also reflected in global P/CVE proactive efforts.
Up until recently, Malaysia’s P/CVE efforts were led by the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), focusing on youth empowerment through initiatives like the University Lecture Series and Forum Kenegaraan in HEIs (SEARCCT, 2024). SEARCCT collaborates with youth leaders in dialogues to strengthen leadership in P/CVE and engages youths in gaming and sports to build digital resilience and promote social inclusion.
Nevertheless, there is a need to address local factors driving radicalisation and strengthen civic resilience. Hence, it is hoped that Malaysia's new P/CVE action plan will place greater emphasis on youth.
Much can be learned from the analysis of global leading P/CVE frameworks (Figure 1). Each country adapts its approach to cultural, social, and political contexts, but all recognise youth as central to both the problem and solution of violent extremism. Efforts focus on awareness and capacity-building to enhance societal and individual resilience.
Countries at the forefront of P/CVE efforts focus on comprehensive early intervention programmes providing mentorship, counselling, and opportunities to at-risk individuals, particularly young people. These initiatives are underpinned by strong local and international partnerships, involving organisations across federal, state, and municipal levels, such as welfare departments, employment agencies, youth associations, sports groups, educators and other stakeholders.
At-risk individuals or those in the early stages of radicalisation frequently interact with frontline workers like nurses, school counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and youth workers. Professional training for these practitioners is essential to identify risks and intervene effectively, as unskilled involvement can exacerbate the issue.
In other countries, P/CVE professionalisation and robust research underpin these efforts, identifying unique radicalisation pathways, community grievances, and reliable early indicators while establishing professional training standards. This research also shapes educational resources for families and communities, equipping counselling professionals to address P/CVE challenges effectively.
Furthermore, schools in these countries are often tasked with promoting core national values and fostering unity to counter extremist ideologies. Mass media and internet platforms are also mandated to uphold traditional spiritual and moral values, preserve interethnic and interfaith harmony, and engage youth in patriotic education. Efforts include civic education programmes, social advertisements, and media campaigns targeting young audiences, embedding these principles into daily interactions to build a unified stance against extremism.
Empowering young people to actively participate in P/CVE research fosters more effective and inclusive strategies. Youth are involved as both researchers and subjects, studying radicalisation, monitoring deviant behaviour, and exploring subcultures to identify and counter extremist ideologies early. Training and awareness materials are co-developed with young people to ensure relevance and impact. For example, Canada supports youth-led research initiatives that propose community-based solutions, demonstrating how young voices can shape effective P/CVE programmes.
Similarly, dialogue-based approaches are central to P/CVE strategies, fostering tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence among young people. Integrated into regional and municipal education and youth development programmes, these initiatives promote respect for all nationalities, ethnicities, and religions through activities such as lessons on patriotism, peaceful conflict resolution, interfaith friendship, and the legal prevention of extremist behaviours.
Globally, countries implement tailored strategies to counter extremist narratives effectively. Germany conducts school workshops targeting vulnerable youth, while Indonesia integrates peacebuilding and tolerance into its curriculum, fostering interfaith collaboration. Kenya works with NGOs in regions like Mombasa and Nairobi to create safe spaces for youth to voice grievances and build resilience. Norway engages young people in structured dialogues on democratic values and conflict resolution. Canada employs Dialogue Ambassadors in schools to tackle sensitive topics, challenge prejudices, and address radicalisation and discrimination. Collectively, these initiatives equip youth with the skills and perspectives to resist extremism.
Likewise, teaching critical thinking and media literacy is a key component of P/CVE efforts, helping young people critically evaluate online content and resist extremist narratives. Many countries embed digital literacy into school curricula to build resilience against manipulation and propaganda. The Netherlands promotes inclusivity, social cohesion, and critical thinking through targeted youth programmes. The USA partners with tech companies to create tools that counter extremist propaganda and engage youth online. Russia incorporates information security into its "Life Safety Basics" curriculum to protect children from terrorist propaganda. Canada funds initiatives that equip youth with resources to develop alternative narratives and evidence-based prevention strategies. Australia emphasises fostering positive narratives and strategic communication to counter online extremism, enhancing digital literacy and resilience among its youth.
These initiatives also focus on professionally training teachers to lead open dialogues on complex issues, creating respectful platforms for addressing grievances, and encouraging prosocial engagement. By equipping young people with critical thinking skills and tools to navigate digital spaces, these programmes effectively counter extremist ideologies, fostering safer and more informed communities.
International experience also shows that extremist groups frequently target young people, particularly members of informal nationalist associations, recognising youths’ great potential to influence peers and shape social dynamics.
Hence, engaging youth organisations and peer networks is crucial to amplifying counter-narratives, steering young people toward positive social and political engagement, and promoting social cohesion and resilience! In contrast, the exploitation of race and religion by social media influencers—often for political gains (see “GE15: What We Got Right and the Blind Spots!”)—risks deepening societal divisions and could lead to national tragedies.
For example, Kenya trains young leaders to deliver anti-extremism messages and mentor peers in vulnerable communities. Indonesia partners with youth influencers to produce content that challenges extremist rhetoric. Australia supports media campaigns led by young influencers to create online content undermining extremist propaganda.
Finally, empowering young people through education, leadership initiatives, sports, and cultural activities is another vital strategy to redirect their focus from radicalisation and build resilience. Addressing vulnerabilities like isolation and unemployment creates positive pathways for youth engagement. For example, Kenya incorporates vocational training into P/CVE efforts to tackle unemployment, a key driver of radicalisation. Australia leverages community sports programmes to cultivate belonging and teamwork, countering the isolation that often fuels extremist ideologies. Norway utilises art and cultural initiatives, such as theatre and storytelling, to provide creative outlets that strengthen youth resistance to extremism.
By integrating skill development, teamwork, and creative expression, these initiatives provide meaningful opportunities for youth to thrive while promoting social cohesion and resilience.
As the Malay saying goes, “Pemuda Harapan Bangsa, Pemudi Tiang Negara.” Incorporating a comprehensive youth-centred approach into Malaysia’s P/CVE framework is crucial for nurturing a robust generation of youth who are impenetrable against radicalisation and violent extremism.
Dr Margarita Peredaryenko and Avyce Heng are part of the research team at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
