KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 –Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Wednesday that the Malaysia is to host a regional centre to counter the spread of Islamic State ideology and propaganda via the Internet. He said the Regional Digital Counter-Messaging Communication Centre (RDC3) would be set up soon.
“The United States had chosen Malaysia, besides the United Arab Emirates, for the centre because of our commitment, especially of the police, in countering the threat of international terrorism and cross-border criminal activities. As many recruitments into the IS are being made through the social media, the centre is being set up to monitor all movements by terrorists or those with the potential to engage in terrorism,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the home minister told reporters after opening the 4th General Police and Special Equipment Exhibition and Conference Asia 2015 here that the centre would serve as a reference point for the countries of ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand and several other neighbouring countries.
Ahmad Zahid also said that agreements on the purchase of assets worth RM500 million were expected to be signed by the Royal Malaysia Police and home ministry agencies at the conference, dubbed GPEC 2015. The police were strengthening its officers and personnel not only in terms of training but also equipping them with the latest sophisticated assets, he said.
He also added that the police require sophisticated equipment to monitor and counter terrorism. Meanwhile, on Budget 2016 that will be tabled in parliament on Friday by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Ahmad Zahid said the home ministry anticipated some allocation to build new accommodation for the police force and upgrade existing facilities.
