THE Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control orders that came with it have been a blessing in disguise for the country because it has made it difficult for terrorists to carry out attacks, said Azman Omar.

The Special Branch Counter Terrorism assistant director said it the virus also worked against the force because it was harder for his men to gather intelligence.

“For me it is a blessing in disguise. Borders are closed, movements are restricted and it is hard for anyone to make a terror plan however it is also hard for us to operate.

“We need to be wary of the virus. I cannot expose my men and the health risk is serious. Nonetheless, it has flattened the terror curve and so far there is no indication that there will be any attack,” Azman told a forum discussing the threats of radicalism and extremism in the age of pandemic.

The forum was organised by The International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia.

Earlier, Azman said his unit apprehended seven men in 2020 for suspected terrorist activities.

“Compared to 2018 and 2019, last year was the lowest arrest made with only seven people.

“We manage to stop one man who admitted to wanting to carry out a lone wolf attack on several leaders just before the lockdown.

“Although the situation is under control, the police are still monitoring on a daily basis,” said Azman. – March 25, 2021.