KL counter-terrorism centre to be expanded with China's help
BEIJING — The Kuala Lumpur-based Regional Digital Counter-Messaging Communications Centre (RDC3) will be expanded so that it can be better utilised to monitor and combat terrorism.
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently on a working trip to China, has reached agreement with Beijing over the expansion of the Kuala Lumpur-based Regional Digital Counter-Messaging Communications Centre. Photo: AFP
BEIJING — The Kuala Lumpur-based Regional Digital Counter-Messaging Communications Centre (RDC3) will be expanded so that it can be better utilised to monitor and combat terrorism.
According to a report on The Star Online dated Jan 13, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the centre, which is currently used by only members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, will have its scope broadened to cover other parts of Asia.
He added that the expanded centre would strengthen efforts by Interpol and other law-enforcement organisations to fight terrorism.
“China will provide technology and advanced gadgets to enhance the centre,” said Dr Zahid, who is on a six-day working visit to China until Sunday (Jan 15).
The Regional Digital Counter-Messaging Communications Centre seeks to stem the growing digital outreach and recruitment efforts of militants in the region by countering the hateful ideologies of the Islamic State (IS) and other extremist groups.
RDC3 is modelled upon the Sawab, or “Right Path”, Centre, a messaging centre jointly launched by the United Arab Emirates and America, The Diplomat reported.
Dr Zahid, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said the Chinese government has thanked Malaysia for its efforts in fighting terrorism. He added that Beijing has praised the Malaysian police for its efficiency in tracking down individuals or groups linked to IS.
The deputy prime minister revealed on Thursday (Jan 12) that Malaysian authorities in collaboration with their counterparts in China have arrested 28 suspected Chinese-national IS militants since 2013.
Malay broadsheet Utusan Malaysia quoted Mr Zahid as saying those arrested were on their way to Iraq, Syria and Turkey and had used Malaysia as a transit point in a bid to confuse the authorities.
Dr Zahid has so far met State Counsellor and Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun, Secretary of Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Meng Jianzhu, as well as Interpol president Meng Hongwei.
A courtesy call was also made to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
Earlier this week, China and Malaysia reached an agreement in fighting transnational crime, including fraud carried out by syndicates from China but operating out of Malaysia. AGENCIES
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