JOHOR BARU: Johor police are closely monitoring potential religious extremist activities, deviant groups, and suspicious organisations in the state.
State police chief, Commissioner M. Kumar, however, pointed out that the characteristics of those involved in such activities are difficult to detect.
Kumar called on the public to provide information and report any suspicious activities or behaviours of the people around them, including their neighbours.
"We cannot determine a person's ideology just by looking at them. Therefore, early intelligence from close family members, as well as neighbours, is crucial for early prevention.
"Johor Special Branch remains committed in prioritising the monitoring of religious extremist activities, deviant groups, and suspicious organisations, to maintain the peace and ensure public well-being, both within the country, and specifically in Johor," he said in his speech at the Johor police contingent's monthly assembly here, today.
On a related matter, Kumar said 8,652 people were arrested for various drug offences from January until last month.
He said this was the third highest arrest in the state, with seizures totalling 1.72 tonnes of drugs worth RM13.37 million.
"The Johor Narcotics Crime Investigation Department has had significant successes in curbing drug addiction, abuse, and trafficking activities.
"They also succeeded in crippling eight local drug trafficking syndicates with large-scale arrests and seizures."