The National Security Coordinator, COP Osman Abdul Razak, has revealed that some vigilante groups are changing their names and moving their activities online to avoid detection by security agencies.

According to him, some groups now operate under names such as internal security teams, volunteer task forces and community security initiatives, while others have broken into smaller networks that are harder to track.

“We are very much aware that, one, some groups are rebranding as internal security teams, volunteer task forces, or community security initiatives,” he said.

COP Abdul Razak said security agencies are also monitoring the activities of such groups on social media, where some of them are believed to be organising and communicating.

CDD lists 'hidden' political vigilante groups

“Others have dissolved into looser and less visible networks that are more complex to track but if our ability to track people on social media is anything to go by, a word to the wise is enough,” he disclosed.

He added that mobilisation by some of the groups has moved from the usual physical gatherings to online platforms and other informal channels.

“Again, three, mobilization has moved online on social media, encrypted chats, local disputes, private security arrangements, or other informal channels,” he added.

The National Security Coordinator cautioned that the reduced visibility of the groups should not be taken as proof that they no longer exist.

“However, we must not mistake reduced visibility of these groups as complete eradication. A vigilante group is a vigilante group, regardless of its name, uniform, or publicity,” he cautioned.



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