Public should be aware of militant threats - Academician

Members of the public should be aware and concerned about the activities and threats posed by the so-called IS militant group in the country as reported by the media.

Senior lecturer at the Centre of Communications Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Associate Professor Mohamad Md Yusoff said information provided in the media reports would make them more cautious about any possible threats.

"So far, the IS group has extended its influence to almost 18 Muslim and non-Muslim countries. If information about the threats are not spread, we may not be able to resolve the problems brought by this group," he told Bernama here on Friday.

Mohamad, who is also a communications analyst, said that Malaysia's peaceful climate should be guarded to prevent the country from getting into conflicts like in other Muslim countries.

"It is not easy to build a nation, but it is very easy to destroy it. A country can be destroyed in one, two days...so, militants, terrorists and enemies from outside and inside the country should be eliminated," he stressed.

Mohamad said all plans to strengthen the economy and improve the standard of living of the people would be disrupted if the country was in turmoil and had to face terrorism issues.

Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa recently said that the IS militants had planned to kidnap several dignitaries for ransom, as well as robbing banks to collect funds for their activities.

It was reported that more than 90 Malaysians had been detained for suspected involvement in militant activities so far.