MUSLIMS in Selangor are prohibited from engaging in programmes by non-Muslims that might influence them, Selangor Islamic Religious Council chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said. 

He said there are programmes with elements to attract youth, especially Muslim youth, to learn or gain knowledge related to religions other than Islam.

“If such a programme is allowed to be organised, it can influence the way Muslim youth think – in a subtle and subconscious manner – to be interested in a religion other than Islam,” he said in a statement today.

Aziz was referring to advertisements and brochures being circulated on social media on Impact Malaysia’s “Projek Artikel 11” under the “Jom Ziarah” programme. 

The Impact Malaysia programme, which is under the Youth and Sports Ministry, involves visits to places of worship to increase awareness of the country’s diverse society.

Last week, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the initiative was conducted by Impact Integrated, an agency affiliated with her ministry, to visit places of worship, but Muslim youth were not included. 

She said this was contrary to allegations on social media and chat groups that she was using such programmes to expose Muslim youth to Christianity. 

Aziz said the understanding, tolerance, and unity of the community were crucial to ensure Malaysia’s harmony and security. 

“Programmes to study religions other than Islam in churches or other religious houses should be done under certain controls and restrictions.

“This is to ensure there are no elements to persuade Muslims who are easily influenced and interested in other religions and to make sure no Muslims are involved in the rituals of other religions.”

Aziz also advised civil society groups or other bodies that intend to hold activities and programmes on the basis of unity and harmony to be more careful and maintain the sensitivity of Muslims and the community in our country. – March 17, 2023.