The 2025 Global Terrorism Index
(GTI) reveals a troubling reversal in the global fight against terrorism. After
nearly a decade of progress, the world has seen an 11% increase in
terrorism-related deaths, with 66 countries reporting at least one attack in
2024 up from 58 the previous year.
While Malaysia still ranks low in
direct terrorism incidents, the recent Ulu Tiram attack, where a lone assailant
killed two police officers in Johor, marks a significant and disturbing
development.
This incident is not just a
singular tragedy it is a symptom of a broader, more insidious trend: youth
radicalization and the rise of lone-wolf extremism, driven by digital
propaganda, identity politics, and ideological distortion.
It is no longer sufficient to
view terrorism as solely a security issue. Malaysia must treat it as a societal
challenge, where the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports
are central to a national strategy.
Lone Wolves in Our Backyard
The Ulu Tiram attacker had no
known affiliation with global terrorist groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda. Like many
perpetrators of lone-wolf violence in the West, he was reportedly radicalized
through online content, consumed in digital echo chambers without formal
recruitment or training.
The GTI notes that 93% of fatal
terror attacks in the West over the past five years were executed by such
individuals self-radicalized, ideologically motivated, and increasingly young.
Malaysia now faces a similar
trajectory. Our youth, highly connected and socially aware, are also vulnerable
to ideological manipulation, particularly in times of political instability,
socioeconomic inequality, or perceived marginalization.
Race, Religion, and the
Politics of Division
Malaysia’s rich multiethnic and
multireligious composition, once a hallmark of national pride, is being
increasingly weaponized. Certain political figures exploit race and religion to
consolidate support, often at the expense of national cohesion.
Simultaneously, hate preachers
and religious extremists exploit online platforms and local sermons to
propagate narratives that portray religious or ethnic groups as existential
threats.
When youth repeatedly encounter
these messages whether through WhatsApp chains, social media, or even the
pulpit they begin to internalize a distorted worldview: one that legitimizes
violence in defence of identity.
The seeds of radicalization are
no longer planted by foreign fighters they are cultivated at home, in plain
sight.
Cultivating Resilience in the
Classroom
Education is Malaysia’s most
powerful tool in the fight against extremism. The Ministry of Education must
urgently revise its approach, ensuring that classrooms become incubators of
tolerance, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.
First, digital literacy and media
awareness must be fully integrated into the national curriculum from primary
school to tertiary education. Young Malaysians must learn how to evaluate
sources, question narratives, and challenge extremist content. This skillset is
not only academic it is a defence against ideological harm.
Second, interfaith education and
civic studies must be revitalized to promote mutual respect and national unity.
Students should learn not only about their own heritage but also about the
histories, beliefs, and contributions of others. These lessons humanize “the
other” and inoculate young minds against divisive rhetoric.
Third, teacher training is
essential. Educators must be equipped to detect early warning signs of
radicalization such as withdrawal, sudden changes in worldview, or fixation on
identity-based grievances.
But more importantly, they must
be supported with referral pathways that connect schools to mental health
professionals, social workers, and community organizations, enabling early
intervention without criminalization.
Offering Purpose and Belonging
Radical ideologies often prey on
disenfranchised youth those who feel invisible, undervalued, or disempowered.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports must take proactive steps to provide these
young Malaysians with meaningful alternatives to extremism.
This includes expanding access to
youth empowerment programs, especially in underserved and high-risk areas such
as Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, and parts of urban Klang Valley.
Leadership development, skills
training, sports leagues, and creative arts programs should be used to build
self-esteem, provide structure, and foster social inclusion.
Youth centres can also become
platforms for counter-narratives safe spaces where difficult issues can be
discussed, identities explored, and dissent expressed without violence.
By collaborating with athletes,
influencers, musicians, and activists, the ministry can promote messages of
unity, peace, and resilience on platforms where young people already engage YouTube,
TikTok, Discord, and more.
A Youth Security Strategy
Malaysia needs a coordinated,
youth-centric national security strategy. The Ministry of Education and the
Ministry of Youth and Sports should no longer operate on the sidelines of
counter-terrorism but be fully integrated into the National Security Council’s
efforts.
This strategy should include: A
National Youth Vulnerability Index to map communities at higher risk of
radicalization, based on socio-economic indicators, digital activity, and
reported grievances.
Real-time monitoring and analysis
of extremist digital content, using AI and partnerships with tech companies to
flag recruitment materials and hate speech.
Community-led rehabilitation and reintegration programs, offering second chances to youth influenced by radical ideologies, with the involvement of psychologists, imams, teachers, and civil society leaders.
Prevention Is the New Security
Malaysia’s current position on
the GTI is relatively stable but it is no cause for complacency. The Ulu Tiram
incident is not an anomaly it is a harbinger. Unless we act now, we risk a
future where extremist violence becomes normalized, youth disillusionment
becomes weaponized, and national unity unravels.
By redefining education and youth
development as security imperatives, Malaysia can lead the region in proactive
counter-extremism. Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports
must not just participate in national security planning they must lead the
charge in safeguarding Malaysia’s future.
The window for prevention is
open. Let us not wait for it to close.
Kuala Lumpur.
4.6.2025
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https://focusmalaysia.my/empowering-youth-against-radicalisation/
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