PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 ― Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha today said that the Islamic State's (IS) influence on the Internet remains a challenge to curb.
However, he said he was confident that the authorities will find a way to limit the militant group’s online reach.
“Those who get involved in these activities were influenced through the Internet, where it's harder to control. But I believe the relevant authorities have a way to control the spread of their information,” he told reporters here at the JAKIM main office.
“We work together with the security agencies as a strategic network. But following the incident in Jakarta yesterday, I think the security enforcers will take over,” he added, referring to the bomb attacks in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday.
He said despite the challenges, Jakim, in leading an effort involving 38 agencies last year, had exceeded its target in its on-ground community outreach to spread the awareness of the dangers of IS.
“Last year we aimed to reach to a million people, but we have reached to more than that, either by face to face engagement, or through imams who give explanations to their communities,” he said.
Global terror group IS yesterday claimed responsibility for the bombing and shootings in the centre of Jakarta, which the Indonesian government confirmed killed seven people in total.
