Deviationist cults in the country have been routed by state and federal religious authorities.

As a result, remnants from the now-defunct cults could hardly get followers to begin anew, said Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz.

Citing an example, he said the cult group, 'Islam Jamaah', was finding it difficult to become active in Selangor and thus, had to find a new location.

He attributed this to Muslims being more knowledgeable, informed and aware of superstitious beliefs and the like.

"Deviationist cults in the country are under Jakim's watchful eye... and if anyone tries to reactivate (a cult), we will fight them with the help of the authorities," he said.

Wan Mohamad was speaking to reporters after opening a seminar, 'Preaching for the Muslim Community in Malaysia' today.

21 Islam Jamaah followers detained

Wan Mohamad was commenting on the detention of 21 Islam Jamaah followers at a private surau in Kampung Sungai Tangkas, Bangi after the Friday prayers yesterday.

On the seminar, he said there was a request that any initiative from Malaysia to help the Muslim community abroad be structured to show Malaysia to the world as an exemplary model.

"We know that in Malaysia, the Cham community, whose members are originally refugees, created their own success stories here. So, we think that their potential should be combined and coordinated so that they can help their bretheren in Cambodia and Vietnam," he said.

About 800 people took part in the one-day seminar which was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Federal Territory Mosque.

- Bernama