Police monitors tahfiz centres, prevent spread of extremism: IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will monitor all tahfiz religious schools in the country in a pro-active and preventive move to prevent the Salafi Jihadi and Daesh ideologies from spreading here.
According to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, so far only one tahfiz school in Perlis has been found to be involved with the ideology.
"We fear that they want to make the tahfiz school in Perlis as a stepping stone to spread their ideology in the country," he told reporters after launching a PDRM seminar on integrity at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here today.
Mohamad Fuzi was commenting on the arrest of eight men, including seven foreigners by Special Branch's Counter Terrorism Division on Sept 24 on suspicion of being involved in activities which jeopardise public order and federal security.
He said the tahfiz school in Perlis was believed to have a network of militants overseas such as in Yemen.
"We cannot reveal more information on the case as it is still under investigation while other tahfiz schools throughout the country are still under control," Mohamad Fuzi said.
Meanwhile, commenting on a statement by Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin who asked PDRM to exclude the Principal Assistant Director of Counter Terrorism Division, Bukit Aman, Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay from the probe into terrorism in Perlis, Mohamad Fuzi said Mohd Asri should not interfere in police work.
"This is PDRM's work, he should not interfere in police work in ensuring the security of the country.
"He does not have any right to say my officers cannot take action on the tahfiz school," he said. — Bernama