Zahid touts nation's potential as Islamic world's digital hub
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the launch of Nur.AI, a Shariah-compliant artificial intelligence platform, by Zetrix AI Berhad today would catalyse advancing the nation's technology sector.
By positioning itself as a leader in Shariah-compliant AI, Zahid said, Malaysia could open the door to strategic cooperation with Asean and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, and strengthen its global influence.
"Malaysia, long recognised as a global leader in halal certification, a respected hub for Islamic finance, and a modern centre of Shariah academic reference, is now taking a further step forward to lead the world in Shariah-compliant AI.
"I want this launch to mark the beginning of a nationwide movement, with the government strengthening policy and infrastructure, and industry integrating Nur.AI into their operations."
"Educational institutions should also embed Shariah-compliant AI into curricula and research, and religious bodies must ensure that every step is correct, with integrity and rooted in Islamic values," he said in his speech at the launch of Nur.AI here today.
Zetrix AI Berhad, formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, today unveiled NurAI, the world's first Shariah-aligned, Islamic values-based large language model.
NurAI offers guidance consistent with Shariah rulings on a comprehensive spectrum of subject matters, ranging from contemporary topics such as law, healthcare, and finance, to classical Islamic themes including history, Islamic philosophy, and Quranic studies.
Meanwhile, Zahid said digital progress must be rooted in values so that technology drives prosperity and wellbeing without undermining the nation's identity and principles.
He cautioned that studies had found certain AI-generated content on Western platforms related to Islam contained bias or factual inaccuracies.
He said this poses risks when Islamic information is presented without the correct context, when fatwas are misquoted, or when the faith and culture are subtly misrepresented.
"We have seen instances where AI systems have provided answers that contradict Shariah principles when asked about Islamic finance rulings, or have quoted unauthenticated sources when discussing matters of aqidah.
"This is a gap we must close and, inshaAllah, I am confident that Nur.AI is capable of doing so," he said.
He said the platform could be the foundation for shaping public understanding, from clarifying what is halal and haram, to guiding on zakat and faraid, to offering Shariah-compliant investment advice.
"I envision a future in which Malaysia serves as the world's primary point of reference and an integrated AI platform for Islamic education systems worldwide.
"These include AI applications for mosque administration, zakat management and Quran teaching and international research collaborations that advance innovation grounded in Islamic values," he said.
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