The public, especially those in the east coast of Sabah, should develop deeper level of understanding on the threats posed by the terror organisation, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), in their areas.

Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) chief, General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said ISIS was a real threat and the authorities should take certain action to prevent it from turning into a major problem.

"Public awareness on ISIS should be enhanced so that they can understand the issue. We need the support from the people to monitor militancy activities there so that they can help the ATM and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)."

Zulkifeli said this to reporters in response to the threats posed by ISIS to Malaysia after opening the Electronic Warfare Training Centre at the Paya Jaras Camp here yesterday.

He said there were Malaysians involved in the militant activities in Syria and Iraq, thinking that they were fulfilling their obligations of jihad.

"I'm worried that when they return to Malaysia, they will do something that can threaten the safety of the country, especially after they established a network in neighbouring countries from Syria or Iraq," he said.

On the seminar, Zulkifeli said the ability and capability of defence forces in controlling information and electromagnetic spectrum were the key requirements in electronic warfare to preserve secrecy of information from outside threats.

"Without knowledge and skills in electronic warfare, the ATM will not be able to generate combat power and hence, will probably be exposed to outside threats," he said.

Zulkifeli said under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the ATM would acquire high-tech electronic warfare training system, which was expected to close the gap of electronic warfare skills between ATM and the armed forces in developed countries.