KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — The Army has been collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) to curb Islamic State (IS) militant activities in the country, says Army Field Commander West, Lt Gen Datuk Azizan Md Delin.

He said so far, the RMP had played its role well, in combating such activities while the Army complemented the police efforts.

"We need to understand that whatever happens in the country (including) public order, arresting criminals and terrorists, is for the police to handle.

"We (the Army) have roles (fighting against IS) to play...manning the borders (so that) weapons and terrorists do not reach our shores. We share information. We don’t need a bigger force because the police can do all that,” added Azizan.

He said this in an interview with Bernama and Bernama News Channel (BNC) at Wisma Bernama here today.

According to Azizan, the collaboration came under the National Blue Ocean Strategy.

Meanwhile, he said people with lower educational background and those well-exposed to the Islamic State propaganda on social media were easily influenced into joining the militant group.

"Most IS fighters who came from Malaysia were recruited via the social media,” added Azizan.   

He also admitted the spread of militant ideology from outside via online media was now a new challenge to the Army in protecting the sovereignty of the country.

In a statement today, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police detained seven people in Sabah and Selangor over their alleged involvement in the IS militant group.  

Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division hauled up five men and two women in a special operation which ended yesterday, he added. — Bernama