The Islamic State (ISIL) is a radical Sunni group operating in Iraq and Syria. It is notorious for using the Internet to deceive, lure, recruit and radicalize its potential followers.
"We will not allow them to be exploited by the ISIL or any other terror groups. We are pooling our resources to ensure that these children do not fall into the trap," principal assistant director of Malaysian Special Branch's counter-terrorism division Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, told The Star.
According to the official, alleged ISIL affiliates recruit girls for different purposes, in particular as "wives" for ISIL militants.
Ayob Khan urged parents to monitor their children's online activities, citing ISIL' tactics of online recruitment.
"These young girls can easily be influenced by the militants via social media, especially Facebook. So, parents, please play your part by monitoring your children's activities," he emphasized.
In 2014, the Malaysian counterterrorism division prevented seven women from joining the ISIL in Syria in 2014, while seven others reportedly managed to reach the militants. Most of the women were in their 20s, according to Ayob Khan.
