World · Malaysia Bureau
Extremists targeting children through online gaming platforms, police warn
Malaysian police have arrested several minors aged 12 to 15 who were recruited by extremist groups via online games, according to a former senior police official. The cases highlight growing concerns over radicalisation attempts targeting young gamers.
LSN Malaysia ·
Extremist elements are actively targeting children through online gaming platforms as a recruitment channel, with police recently apprehending minors as young as 12 years old who were enlisted through such games, according to Ayob Khan, a former deputy chief of the Royal Malaysian Police.
The arrests of children aged 12, 14 and 15 represent a troubling trend in which extremist organisations exploit the popularity of online gaming to identify and radicalise vulnerable youth. Gaming platforms have emerged as an increasingly significant avenue for recruitment due to their widespread accessibility and the difficulty in monitoring private communications within these spaces.
The development underscores escalating challenges facing law enforcement agencies across the region as extremist groups adapt their tactics to target digitally-connected younger demographics. Authorities have expressed concern over the sophistication of recruitment strategies employed through seemingly innocuous gaming environments.
The cases have prompted renewed focus on child online safety and the need for greater awareness among parents and educators regarding potential radicalisation risks associated with unmonitored gaming activities. Police officials are urging guardians to remain vigilant about their children's online interactions and gaming community affiliations.