Malaysia’s Response To The Influence Of “The Islamic State”

Abstract

This study examines Malaysia’s responses to the rise of the so-called Islamic State (IS) and its implications for national security. Although Malaysia has not been a primary target of IS operations, the country faces significant challenges such as the radicalization of its citizens, recruitment for conflicts in Syria and Iraq, and the spread of extremist ideologies that inspire domestic terrorist plots. Through document analysis and policy review, the study highlights Malaysia’s multidimensional approach to countering IS as a non-traditional security threat. It focuses on preventive strategies, legal measures, enforcement mechanisms, and international cooperation. The article contributes to clarifying Malaysia’s efforts to balance national security protection with the maintenance of social stability, while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of combating transnational terrorism.