Latest news with #SelangorStateLegislativeAssembly
Focus Malaysia
6 days ago
- Health
- Focus Malaysia
Beliawanis MCA: Mental health solutions must be emotionally inclusive, unbiased
BELIAWANIS MCA has expressed concern over the recent report revealing that over 1,000 secondary school students are at risk of depression. Its national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen was referring to a statement made by State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin on Monday (July 7). Jamaliah told the Selangor State Legislative Assembly that a total of 1,020 out of 36,428 secondary school students in Selangor have shown early signs of being at high risk for depression. The Bandar Utama assemblywoman also said the findings, based on the Minda Sihat (Healthy Mind) Mental Health Screening Analysis for the 2024/2025 school session, indicated that overall psychosocial behaviour among students remains under control. Stressing on the importance of speaking out about mental health, Low said while the situation remains under control, there is still room for improvement. 'While significant strides have been made to address it and reduce the stigma surrounding it, we must continue our efforts to acknowledge the very real challenges that students with depression face,' she remarked. First and foremost, according to Low, funding for mental health programmes must be adequate as depression, alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and even learning disabilities such as ADHD, can have severe consequences if left untreated. 'Sufficient funding would ensure that intervention programmes are taken seriously, making it clear that these are not just empty words but essential initiatives for positive change,' she added. She further stressed that mental health issues must be addressed at all levels regardless whether students have been formally diagnosed with depression or otherwise. 'For example, the risk of mental illness should be taught in a formal and serious manner, rather than being dismissed or laughed off as something that 'can't happen to me'. It is vital to recognise that these issues should never be trivialised,' she said. 'Just because one may not personally experience them does not make them any less important; mental health can affect anyone.' Regarding school programmes and the current scope of intervention at educational levels, Low also suggested that regular checks should be carried out to ensure that new initiatives are being implemented effectively and treated with the seriousness they deserve. This should not be seen as an additional burden on already overloaded curricula as there must be a balance between strong implementation and a compassionate, supportive environment for affected students. Low said these modules should not focus solely on techniques but also emphasise the importance of teacher/educator and peer support as teaching about mental health is pointless if there is no emotional support available. 'Finally, fellow Malaysians must also examine how we conduct ourselves as a society and whether our behaviours are contributing to the rising rates of mental health issues,' she reckoned. 'Factors such as academic pressure, unhealthy habits, family stress, and other potential stressors could be exacerbating the mental health crisis. To truly address depression, we must look at the issue from all angles.' ‒ July 8, 2025 Main image: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov
Barnama
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
MAIS Pledges To Uphold Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Principles In Selangor's Islamic Administration
SHAH ALAM, July 7 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) remains steadfast in ensuring that Islamic administration in the state adheres to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed, and is free from the influence of deviant teachings. Its chairman, Datuk Salehuddin Saidin, said MAIS, in collaboration with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), the Selangor Mufti Department and other agencies, would intensify efforts to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed among the people in the state. 'This includes Islamic teaching programmes conducted by certified religious instructors as well as mosque and surau-based religious activities,' he said in a statement today. Salehuddin said reinforcing the position of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah is in line with the decree of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, as the state's Head of Religion, who has emphasised the importance of safeguarding the purity of faith and the need to define the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah's position within the legal framework. 'It is hoped that a deep understanding and appreciation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed will form the core foundation for strengthening unity among Muslims,' he said. At the same time, Salehuddin expressed his appreciation to the State Islamic Religious Affairs and Cultural Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, and all parties involved in preparing the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2025, which was passed today by the Selangor State Legislative Assembly. The Bill seeks to clarify the criteria for appointing members of MAIS other than ex-officio members, members of the Fatwa Committee, the Credentials Committee and the Credentials Appeal Committee, who must adhere to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed. The amendment could also prevent the appointment of individuals with extreme or liberal views, or those inclined towards teachings that deviate from the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed, in the administration of Islamic affairs in Selangor. Earlier, the Selangor State Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Bill after the third reading by Mohammad Fahmi, following a debate by six assemblymen at today's sitting.
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No room for extremism or liberalism: Selangor passes amendment to state law on the administration of Islam
SHAH ALAM, July 7 — The Selangor State Legislative Assembly today passed the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2025, aimed at clarifying the criteria for appointing members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) other than ex-officio members, members of the Fatwa Committee, the Credentials Committee and the Credentials Appeal Committee, who must adhere to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed. The bill, which involves amendments to 10 clauses, was unanimously passed after the third reading, following a debate by six assemblymen at today's sitting. Earlier, State Islamic Religious Affairs and Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, when tabling the bill, said the amendment proposes to include the interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah in Enactment No. 1/2003. He said that during the drafting of the 2025 Bill, Mais conducted engagement sessions with stakeholders, including legal experts and representatives from relevant departments and organisations. 'Among the parties involved were the Selangor State Legal Advisor's Chamber, Selangor Mufti Department, Selangor Syariah Judicial Department, Selangor Prosecution Department, Selangor Islamic Religious Department, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), Attorney General's Chambers, academics and other relevant stakeholders,' he said when tabling the bill here. Elaborating, Mohammad Fahmi said the amendment could also prevent the appointment of individuals with extreme or liberal views, or those inclined towards teachings that deviate from the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed, in the administration of Islamic affairs in Selangor. 'It is also to ensure that the Islamic administration of Selangor aligns with the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and the principles of Maqasid Syariah, particularly in preserving the religion,' he said. Mohammad Fahmi said the bill was also in line with the decree of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, on March 14, instructing Mais chairman Datuk Salehuddin Saidin to immediately implement the amendment to include provisions on the position and interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah for the Muslim community, particularly in Selangor. — Bernama
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Selangor Assembly passes Islamic Administration Amendment Bill 2025
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Legislative Assembly has passed the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2025. The bill aims to refine the criteria for appointing members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), ensuring adherence to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed. The amendments, involving 10 clauses, were approved unanimously after a third reading. Six assemblymen participated in the debate before the bill's passage. State Islamic Religious Affairs and Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah highlighted that the amendment introduces a clear interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah into Enactment No. 1/2003. During drafting, MAIS engaged stakeholders, including legal experts, religious departments, and federal agencies. 'Parties consulted included the Selangor State Legal Advisor's Chamber, Selangor Mufti Department, and JAKIM,' said Mohammad Fahmi. The amendment also prevents appointments of individuals with extreme or liberal views, ensuring alignment with Maqasid Syariah principles. The bill follows Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's March 14 decree, urging MAIS to formalise Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah provisions for Selangor's Muslim community. – Bernama
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No room for extremism or liberalism: Selangor passes Religion of Islam Amendment Bill
SHAH ALAM, July 7 — The Selangor State Legislative Assembly today passed the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2025, aimed at clarifying the criteria for appointing members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) other than ex-officio members, members of the Fatwa Committee, the Credentials Committee and the Credentials Appeal Committee, who must adhere to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed. The bill, which involves amendments to 10 clauses, was unanimously passed after the third reading, following a debate by six assemblymen at today's sitting. Earlier, State Islamic Religious Affairs and Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, when tabling the bill, said the amendment proposes to include the interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah in Enactment No. 1/2003. He said that during the drafting of the 2025 Bill, Mais conducted engagement sessions with stakeholders, including legal experts and representatives from relevant departments and organisations. 'Among the parties involved were the Selangor State Legal Advisor's Chamber, Selangor Mufti Department, Selangor Syariah Judicial Department, Selangor Prosecution Department, Selangor Islamic Religious Department, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), Attorney General's Chambers, academics and other relevant stakeholders,' he said when tabling the bill here. Elaborating, Mohammad Fahmi said the amendment could also prevent the appointment of individuals with extreme or liberal views, or those inclined towards teachings that deviate from the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed, in the administration of Islamic affairs in Selangor. 'It is also to ensure that the Islamic administration of Selangor aligns with the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and the principles of Maqasid Syariah, particularly in preserving the religion,' he said. Mohammad Fahmi said the bill was also in line with the decree of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, on March 14, instructing Mais chairman Datuk Salehuddin Saidin to immediately implement the amendment to include provisions on the position and interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah for the Muslim community, particularly in Selangor. — Bernama
