Countering violent extremism

One of the poorest states in Malaysia, Sabah has seen a rise in domestic and transnational crime in recent years, including extremist influence and recruitment in the volatile eastern regions. A long history of violent extremist incidents coupled with an increased rate of unemployment among youth has exposed them as vulnerable targets to terrorist networks and criminal syndicates. With support from Australian DFAT, the Foundation and our implementing partner, ASASI, are building resilience of border communities in Eastern Sabah to expand their knowledge, advance the community-law enforcement network, and foster regional civil society cooperation to counter violence and extremism.