KUALA LUMPUR – An international security think tank has warned of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group’s latest tactic to expand its influence in Malaysia.
Lately, the militant group has established an “official” Bahasa Malaysia propaganda outfit intending to disseminate instructions on building makeshift weapons, including explosive drones, according to the Nordic Counter-Terrorism Network’s (NCTN) Cyber Intelligence and Terrorism Division.
Andrin Raj, director of the Helsinki-based NCTN, raised concerns following the emergence of an announcement by the terrorist group’s Fursan al-Tarjuma (Knights of Translation) collective.
Through a digital banner spread on social media, this collective recently unveiled the At-Tamkin Malay Media Foundation, signalling IS’s intensified efforts to target Malaysian audiences with Bahasa Malaysia propaganda material.
Fursan al-Tarjuma has consolidated more than a dozen IS media entities producing propaganda in at least 18 languages, according to experts.
The Fursan al-Tarjuma group has been identified by NCTN’s Cyber Intelligence and Terrorism Division as an official IS propaganda entity, actively promoting the manufacturing and use of improvised explosive device drones (IED drones).
However, access to the materials involved is limited to IS internal media and its members, restricting broader dissemination.
“In Southeast Asia, European Islamist jihadists are relocating to the region, believing they can practice their ideologies more freely in Muslim-majority states without fear of authorities,” Andrin said.
“Further monitoring is essential, as we cannot ascertain whether this activity is localised within Malaysia or extends beyond its borders.
“There are supporters of this propaganda group who are fluent in Malay, suggesting a potential local presence.”
The recent announcement by Fursan al-Tarjuma introducing the At-Tamkin Malay Media Foundation underscores IS’ concerted efforts to target Malaysian audiences.
The foundation joins a network of translation groups spanning various countries, amplifying IS propaganda across multiple platforms.
“Fursan al-Tarjuma strives…to be the singular source for translations of the Islamic State official media, publications that explain its policies bound by shariah, dispel suspicions and false arguments raised by its enemies, and articles and graphics to inspire dedication and faith,” the text on the banner read.
“As such, Fursan al-Tarjuma is dedicated to the spread of the translated media around the world on as many platforms as possible – from social media to applications and websites so that official Islamic State media can reach as many as possible.”
Despite the collapse of the final IS stronghold in Baghuz, Syria, in 2019, Andrin noted the group’s resilience and continued expansion across Africa and Asia.
“They are down but not defeated. Despite losses in Syria and Iraq, they have reorganised with significant operations now based in Afghanistan.
“Their presence is also growing rapidly in Africa, the Caucasus, and Southeast Asia,” he warned.
The translation of IS propaganda into Malay indicates sympathisers within Malaysia, potentially exacerbating the radicalization process in the country, Andrin said. – April 30, 2024