The Inspector-General of Police, Khalid Abu Bakar, said such courses would be jointly organised with Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Malaysia (Aswaja) with emphasis on the dangers of terrorism and its impact on the country.

“PDRM had collaborated with Aswaja in 2006, but the initiative to co-organise this speakers’ course with the NGO is the first. The participants will be able to understand the true concept of jihad, besides enhancing their knowledge on the (Daesh) militant group.

“After that, they will be able to conduct talks to prevent public confusion on the issue and from being influenced by extreme ideology which could lead them to commit acts that threaten national and public security.”

Khalid said this after closing a course for trainers on the dangers of Daesh militancy on Monday.

The three-day course was attended by 50 people including university academicians and government officers.

Khalid urged the people to always cooperate with the government in rejecting extreme ideologies and to trust that the concept of wasatiyyah (moderation) is the best way to ensure national peace and security.

He said that since February 2013 the Counter-Terrorism Section of the Special Branch had arrested 157 people, comprising 132 men and 25 women, suspected of being involved in the Daesh movement.

“Of the 157, 136 are Malaysians while the rest are foreign nationals,” he added.

– BERNAMA