Groups leaning towards the spreading of terrorist ideologies and which oppose the formation of a constitutionally democratic government are now on the radar of the authorities.

Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) deputy director-general Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (photo) said among the groups under watch was ‘Hizbut Tahrir’, which had openly rejected constitutional democracy.

“There are several groups under police surveillance because they reject constitutional democracy, however, they are not involved in any terrorist activities.

"If they cross the line of security, we will take action immediately," he said when met by reporters after appearing as a panel member at the 11th International Conference on Financial Crime and Terrorism Financing (IFCTF) 2019 in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the groups were found to be actively spreading their ideologies through social media websites such as Facebook.

"Some also use the older methods to convey their ideologies, such as lectures and small group meetings," he said.

Ayob Khan said that since 2013, 25 terrorist attacks planned in the country had been thwarted.

"There are two phases of the attack planning, first is the discussion stage while phase two is where they buy explosives, pistols and so on," he said.

Meanwhile, he said the granting of visas to people coming from troubled countries should be tightened to curb the entry of individuals involved in terrorism.

He said a total of 38 foreign terrorists who used the country as a transit point had been arrested and expelled since 2013.

"The issue of the country being a transit point is not new, and the police are monitoring every aspect to curb the issue," he said.

- Bernama