KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (Jheains) has implemented a Religious Enforcement Action Plan to curb Islamic State (IS) activity and influence among students.
State Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang said the Syariah law enforcement division had collaborated with police in carrying out series of Syariah Crime Prevention seminar throughout the state.
“This year, the seminar has been conducted for the eighth time to provide explanation to students and members of the public on the IS threat.
“Next year, the number of seminar will be increased to 12 series, focusing the higher learning institution and teachers learning institute,” he said in presenting the winding-up speech for the Chief Minister Department at the state assembly sitting.
In responding to Datuk Samsuddin Yahya (Umno-Sekong), Teo said Jheins is drafting a subject title taught in religious school about wasatiyah (moderation) and the real understanding of jihad.
He also said all security issues brought up during the state assembly sitting would be given serious attention, adding holistic action will be carried out to ensure Sabah’s east coast remain safe.
“Therefore, holistic resolution involving government agencies, community leaders and the Philippines government is needed to combat this issue.
“Agreement between Malaysian and Philippines governments to implement hot-pursuit strategy by allowing our security forces to enter neighbouring waters is the right action to resolve cross-border crime particularly kidnapping.”
Teo added an understanding to conduct joint patrols between Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia in the Sulu Sea is a long term alternative for the three neighbours to combat trans-border crime in their respective country.
On illegal immigrant issues, he said the state government welcomed Philippines’ willingness to assist in managing its citizens in Sabah.
“As a respond to the statement by Philippines President (Rodrigo Duterte), the government will continue to get the commitment of Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to issue travel document so we can speed up the deportation process.
“This travel document will be issued at all the temporary detention centres in Sabah to those who do not possess Philippine passport.”
He also said the government would look into providing logistic assistance such as ferry to send undocumented Filipinos back if necessary.