01/07/2025

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Fringe ideological movements target varsity youths

Melaka Guava rebranded as MelGuv MALACCA: The Lohan guava (GU16), a fruit synonymous with Malacca, has been rebranded as MelGuv, which is short for Melaka Guava. Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the rebranding marks a transformation and adds value to the state’s agricultural sector, especially with the growing production of MelGuv. “The fruit has a distinct flavour that is both sweet and crunchy, setting it apart from guavas grown in other regions. The largest plantation is in Pulau Gadong. “Last year, 1,139 metric tonnes of the fruit were produced over 80ha in the state,“ he told reporters after closing the Melaka Agrofest 2025 on Sunday. Also present was state Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh. He said commercial guava cultivation in Malacca began in 2023, with annual production now exceeding 1,000 metric tonnes and continuing to grow each year. In conjunction with the three-day agrofest that began on Friday, 15,000 MelGuv fruits were distributed to visitors. Ab Rauf also reported RM1.05 million in sales and 41,842 visitors over the first two days, with attendance expected to rise on the final day. He added that the agrofest remains a vital platform to strengthen the agri-food sector, having evolved from its original form as the Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen’s Day, introduced in 1983. Looking ahead, he added that the state government is committed to enhancing food security through various initiatives, including the expansion of Permanent Food Production Parks. “ Alhamdulillah , last year, the agriculture sector was the third-largest contributor to the state’s GDP, reaching RM4.8 billion and achieving the highest growth rate of 6.5%. “This year, the federal government allocated RM10.2 million for high-impact agricultural projects, covering agro-tourism, the crop subsector and development of padi fields.” – Bernama ‘Multicultural model inspiration for national harmony’ KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s model of multicultural coexistence should serve as a national inspiration, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said. He said each group, no matter how small, contributes to the rich mosaic that makes Sabah a symbol of Malaysia’s multicultural strength. “Sabah is home to 42 distinct indigenous ethnic groups and over 200 subethnic communities, each of which preserves a unique language, heritage and worldview. “It is not just a statistic but a profound reflection of how deeply rooted harmony and respect for differences are in Sabah’s identity,“ he said in his speech at the “Lagu Kita” grand finale of the Sabah Multicultural Songwriting and Band Competition on Sunday. The competition was first conceived in June 2024 with the aim of celebrating Sabah’s rich cultural diversity and empowering young talents through the creation of music. He also said the ministry had presented a RM30,000 grant for the initiative. – Bernama

o Police warn of rising influence on students via sophisticated livestreams, call for vigilance,

emotions and pseudo-intellectual arguments to gain followers,” he said. He warned that some of the content disseminated online carries distorted interpretations, made to appear progressive or spiritually enlightened. “Jakim continues to monitor the developments closely and works in partnership with enforcement agencies, such as MCMC and state religious departments to analyse content and take action.” Radihan also emphasised the importance of ongoing awareness efforts to help students build critical thinking skills and distinguish between genuine discourse and deceptive ideology. Meanwhile, Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) deputy director of operations Siti Razmah Idris said the seminar is aimed at equipping students with the tools to navigate ideological content in the digital age. “The ideas don’t just exist at the fringes anymore. They are entering students’ lives through everyday online exposure. “We need to strengthen their ability to discern, not just inform them of what’s right or wrong.” The seminar, attended by over 200 students from both public and private universities across Selangor, was jointly organised by Jais and the Selangor Islamic affairs executive council.

family were recruited during a live broadcast. They were later arrested and charged by state religious authorities. He noted that while police, in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), continue efforts to take down such content, the groups persistently re-emerge. “When one account is shut down, they just create another one. It’s a continuous process,” he said, adding that enforcement has been carried out in many states including Sarawak, Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang. “We’ve observed an upward trend in such cases over the past five years.” However, Bakari stressed that enforcement alone is not enough, urging for stronger support from civil society, student bodies and institutions of higher learning. “Students are not just targets, they are also part of the solution. We rely on them to alert us when they come across suspicious ideological activity.” During the seminar, Islamic Development Department (Jakim) research division senior assistant director Ustaz Radihan Saari said many of these movements have shifted their approach, distancing themselves from extremist labels and instead present themselves as alternative ideologies to appeal to young audiences. “They often manipulate current issues,

collaboration Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

SHAH ALAM: Authorities have raised the alarm over the increasing presence of fringe ideological movements targeting university students in Selangor, using social media as a key recruitment tool. Supt Bakari Bakar, from the federal police religious extremism division, said groups like ‘Milah Abraham’ and ‘The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light’ have been actively spreading their beliefs on platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, to draw in students. “The groups are sophisticated. They host livestreams and use accessible language to attract youths,” he told theSun after a seminar – “Understanding Extremism Among University Students” – at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. Bakari cited a case in which a student and Kampung Buluh village adoption under Rela initiative KUALA BERANG: The People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) has selected Kampung Buluh here for its Madani Rela adopted village initiative, benefiting over 600 residents. In a statement on Sunday, Rela said in addition to Kampung Buluh, two schools – Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tengku Ampuan Intan and SK Kemat – have also been adopted. It said that various projects had been planned for the development and upgrading of facilities in Kampung Buluh, involving an allocation of RM1 million. “Rela has planned various projects, including the maintenance and upgrading of drainage and sewer systems, resurfacing and widening of roads in several areas in Kampung Buluh. “Installation of floodlights and solar-powered lights in specific areas will also be carried out for the convenience and safety of residents,” the statement said. The statement added that other planned projects include upgrading community endowments, implementing soil erosion control measures, enhancing sports facilities and expanding the surau parking area. Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri

Saifuddin takes time to connect with Rela members offering free haircut services at the Madani Rela village and school adoption event at the Hulu Terengganu district multipurpose hall in Kuala Berang, Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC

Service programme. “He also checked the implementation of approved projects, including the upgrading of the parking area at Surau An-Nur, Tanah Lot, Padang Tara, and Dataran Kejat,“ the statement said. - Bernama

Saifuddin Nasution Ismail launched the Madani Rela Adopted Village and Madani Rela Adopted Schools, the statement said. “Earlier, the minister joined villagers in a gotong-royong to repair the house of a Rela member under the Madani Rela Community

‘Labuan Corp must be facilitator of community empowerment’ LABUAN: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has urged the Labuan Corporation (LC) to broaden its responsibilities beyond waste management, roads and drainage, and to take proactive steps as a facilitator of community empowerment. management on Sunday. Zaliha stressed for governance and integrity to be the foundational principles of local authority operations. Despite Labuan boasting the second-highest GDP per capita in Malaysia, primarily driven by the oil and gas and finance sectors, Zaliha pointed out that this prosperity has not translated into tangible benefits for ordinary residents.

production of poultry, meat, eggs and vegetables should be prioritised. She noted that the upcoming Borneo Flora Festival in Labuan is designed to generate multiplier effects in the hospitality, transportation, food and beverage and homestay sectors, ensuring economic gains reach grassroots businesses. “LC must transcend traditional administrative roles to become a dynamic catalyst for inclusive growth to ensure that Labuan’s wealth benefits all residents. – Bernama

“LC must act as a facilitator to empower the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people, including addressing food security and the high cost of living on the island,”she said after a meeting with LC’s top

She said initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on food imports by increasing local