He said this situation was a blow to their psychology, causing them to switch to countries of potential for support such as those in Southeast Asia.

“Southeast Asia is home to a large Muslim population and they see it as having the potential to become a base if they are defeated in the Middle East.

“The Daesh online Malay language newspaper is to ensure it remains relevant.”

Ahmad was commenting on the spread of the newspaper “Al Fatihin” in e-book format (digital).

The first edition containing 20 pages were launched in the southern Philippines on June 20.

“It should not be taken lightly as it can impact students in schools and universities.

“They have started the war propaganda. If previously, it was on a small scale basis, today they have progressed.

“Do not be surprised if they create a television channel and YouTube for the purpose,” he added.

Director of Centre for Defence and International Security Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Lt Col (R) Ahmad Ghazali Abu Hassan said the online Malay newspaper was a long-term plan to recruit Daesh members in this region.

“The Malay language newspaper shows that they are targeting Malaysians.

“With their position in the Middle East under threat following battles with Western nations, they are trying to switch over here to pursue their agenda.”

Ahmad Ghazali said if previously, Al-Qaeda militants used middlemen to recruit new members to expand their ideology, developments in technology had allowed Daesh to do so via online newspapers.

“The downloading of newspapers from the Internet should be prevented so that they do not become viral or become shared via social media.”