REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KUALA LUMPUR -- Education and community engagement are two elements crucial to containing the Islamic State (IS/ISIS) militancy influence, says Terrorism Research Initiative Director, Prof Emeritus Alex Peter Schmid.

He said fighting the IS militant group ideology was best started at the younger generation level and at the same time, awareness among the community of the IS militancy threat was also imperative.

In order for smooth implementation of this initiative, the government should proactively provide the means, while the overall responsibility needed to be shared by the community from all walks of life.

"Through education, youngsters can see that the IS militant ideology was merely empty promise.

"The community should play its role to guide the young people and make sure they are not influenced by the IS ideology," said Schmid.

He was speaking to reporters after delivering a talk entitled, "Counter and Alternative Narratives for a Comprehensive Strategy to Effectively Combat ISIS Propaganda" here Tuesday.

Also present at the event was Global Movement of Moderates Foundation chairman, Razali Ismail.

Asked how serious the IS militant ideology was in Malaysia, Schmid said it was still under control.

"There is only a tiny percentage of young people in Malaysia involved in IS as compared to other countries."

Sharing his 33 years of experience on the subject of terrorism, Schmid said other ways to combat the IS ideology included the counter-narrative approach, especially in social media.

"This is because the IS militant group has been using this platform to spread its message, inspire followers and recruit new members," he said.

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