The recent bombing and shooting event at Sungai Golok, Thailand, which led to the loss of lives among Thai security forces, highlights the escalating threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia.
This incident acts as a cautionary signal for adjacent nations, particularly Malaysia, to enhance their counter-terrorism measures.
This is particularly important given the global patterns indicating that terrorist activities frequently rise during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a period often linked to militant jihadist organisations like Isis.
Global surge of terrorist attacks during Ramadan
Globally, Ramadan has increasingly been associated with a surge in terrorist activities, particularly orchestrated by extremist factions such as Isis.
In 2016, a series of attacks unfolded in various locations during this holy month, resulting in significant loss of life in cities like Istanbul, Turkiye; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Baghdad, Iraq. Notably, a terrorist assault at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport claimed the lives of 45 individuals and left over 200 injured.
In Dhaka, armed assailants invaded a restaurant situated in a diplomatic enclave, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, predominantly foreign nationals. Furthermore, a devastating car bomb in Baghdad’s Karrada district led to nearly 300 fatalities, marking one of the most lethal attacks in over a decade.
In April 2022, a bomb detonated at the Shia Seh Dokan mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, resulting in at least 31 deaths and more than 87 injuries, with the Islamic State - Khorasan Province asserting responsibility.
Also, a bombing at the Khalifa Aga Gul Jan Mosque in Kabul caused at least 10 fatalities and around 30 injuries, with the Islamic State being the primary suspect, although no group officially claimed the attack.
In January 2023, a suicide bomber disguised as a police officer targeted a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 84 individuals and injuring over 157 during Zuhur prayers, specifically aimed at police personnel.
These incidents highlight the necessity for heightened vigilance during Ramadan, as extremists exploit this sacred period to perpetrate acts of violence.
The emergence of Isis and its calls for jihad during Ramadan have incited similar attacks in nations such as Bangladesh, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia.
The persistent brutality of these assaults emphasises the importance for authorities to refine their security protocols in response to global patterns, particularly in Muslim-majority nations where the threat of terrorism may escalate during Ramadan.
The Isis strategy: Ramadan as a time for violence
Isis has explicitly indicated its intention to intensify acts of terror during the month of Ramadan. In 2016, the group’s spokesperson, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, urged jihadists to “Make Ramadan, with God’s permission, a month of pain for infidels everywhere.”
This exhortation led to a series of significant terrorist attacks. The incidents in Istanbul, Dhaka, and Baghdad were not mere coincidences but rather components of a larger strategy aimed at causing mass casualties during this holy period.
In 2017, Isis perpetuated its violent campaign throughout Ramadan, executing attacks in Egypt; Kabul, Afghanistan; London, UK; Tehran, Iran; and Manila, Philippines; which collectively resulted in over 100 civilian fatalities.
The organisation’s approach during Ramadan underscores its overarching objective to instil fear on a global scale and disrupt the tranquillity of Muslims, particularly by targeting non-Muslims and syiah Muslims.
These assaults not only threaten the physical safety of individuals but also seek to engender fear and division within communities.
Such acts of violence undermine the spiritual significance of Ramadan, transforming it into a time marked by terror.
Rising threat in Southeast Asia
The security landscape in Southeast Asia, particularly at the Malaysia-Thailand border, has become increasingly precarious.
The recent assault at Sungai Golok serves as a stark reminder of the cross-border threats posed by terrorist organisations, which specifically target security forces and critical infrastructure.
This incident, coupled with the persistent security issues in Thailand’s southern provinces, has heightened alertness in neighbouring Malaysia.
Over the years, the region has experienced numerous attacks attributed to insurgent and extremist factions, particularly in Thailand’s Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces.
These regions have been marred by violence instigated by separatist groups, which frequently capitalise on the Ramadan period to execute their assaults.
Although Malaysia has not faced attacks of the same magnitude as those in Thailand, its geographical closeness and shared vulnerabilities necessitate proactive measures by Malaysian authorities.
Insights and strategies for Malaysia
In light of the experiences of nations such as Thailand, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, Malaysia must enhance its counter-terrorism strategies.
This enhancement necessitates a comprehensive approach that balances immediate security actions with long-term intelligence collaboration, particularly in the context of escalating extremist violence observed during Ramadan.
The incident in Sungai Golok underscores the critical need for robust border security. Given Malaysia’s extensive and vulnerable border with Thailand, extremist factions could exploit this to penetrate Malaysian territory.
To address this vulnerability, Malaysia should improve its border monitoring capabilities by employing advanced technologies, including drones and automated checkpoints, which can facilitate real-time detection of suspicious activities.
Moreover, Malaysia needs to fortify its intelligence-sharing frameworks with Thailand and other Asean nations.
The establishment of joint task forces and collaborative intelligence platforms is crucial for tracking terrorist movements and identifying potential threats.
The recent events in Sungai Golok illustrate that terrorist operations are increasingly transnational, making regional cooperation indispensable in mitigating this risk.
While most extremist incidents in Southeast Asia have predominantly affected border areas and rural locales, urban centres are not immune to such threats.
Notable attacks in cities like Istanbul and Dhaka have targeted densely populated public venues.
Consequently, Malaysia must enhance security measures in high-risk urban environments, including airports, shopping malls, and places of worship.
Conducting regular security drills and fostering close cooperation between local law enforcement and intelligence agencies will be vital in ensuring a prompt response to potential threats.
Additionally, addressing radicalisation is a fundamental component of Malaysia’s counter-terrorism framework.
In the aftermath of Isis’ emergence and the violent occurrences during Ramadan, Malaysia should allocate resources towards initiatives that focus on de-radicalisation and the prevention of extremist ideologies.
This effort should encompass monitoring digital platforms and actively engaging with communities that are susceptible to radicalisation.
Conclusion
The events occurring in Sungai Golok, alongside the worldwide increase in terrorist activities during Ramadan, underscore the necessity for enhanced vigilance within Malaysia.
Although most Muslims globally celebrate Ramadan peacefully, extremist factions have attempted to manipulate this sacred period for violent ends.
It is imperative for Malaysian authorities to focus on strengthening border security, facilitating intelligence-sharing, and improving urban readiness to thwart potential attacks.
Furthermore, implementing counter-radicalisation initiatives is crucial for tackling the underlying factors that contribute to extremism.
By embracing these approaches and drawing lessons from international patterns, Malaysia can more effectively protect its populace and maintain the tranquillity and sanctity of Ramadan. - Mkini
R PANEIR SELVAM is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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