SANDAKAN: Young people are advised to avoid falling prey to deviant teachings and seek religious knowledge only from qualified and authorised sources.
Sungai Manila Assemblyman Datuk Hazem Mubarak Tun Musa said this was important to ensure they are not misled by teachings that contradict the true principles of Islam.
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“Seek guidance from recognised religious authorities that teach the correct principles and do not be easily deceived by false teachings, including those spread through social media and other channels,” he told reporters after officiating the Sandakan District Maal Hijrah 2026 celebration at the Sandakan District Mosque Multipurpose Hall on Saturday.
Hazem said Muslims should always refer to the teachings of the Al-Quran and As-Sunnah and learn from authentic sources.
Also present were Sandakan Municipal Council Deputy President and organising chairman Farizal Setoh, Senator Datuk Anna Bell Perian, Gum-Gum Assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib and Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong.
A total of 21 individuals, institutions and organisations received the Sandakan District Maal Hijrah Awards 1448H/2026M in recognition of their contributions to Islamic outreach and community service.
The awards covered various categories, including Maal Hijrah personality, educator, preacher, imam, mosque and surau management, welfare bodies and Islamic organisations.
Among the main recipients were Datuk Jaffari Waliam, who received the Male Maal Hijrah Personality Award, and Datin Aminah Manggusara, co-founder of Rumah Anak Yatim Al-Yakin Sandakan, who received the Female Maal Hijrah Personality Award.
Sandakan MP Vivian Wong received the Special Non-Muslim Award, while other recipients included Wan Adzrinah Manap, DSP Sham Osman, Faizal Noor Mohamed, Jefri Ambo, Mohd Hairie Abdul Rahman, Siti Firdayanti Jafri and Ophelia C Gulilao @ Amira Abdullah.
Muhamad Jalil Ahmad received the Outstanding Preacher Award, Saadiah Mohd Saffar was named Outstanding Educator, and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) Sandakan Branch received the Jamiatul Khairiah Award for Islamic NGOs.
Other recipients included Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Perubatan (Perkip) Hospital Duchess of Kent Sandakan, Awang Japar, Latipah Tahir, Jokoh Mohd Sha and Junaidin Baharun.
Masjid As-Syakirin, Surau As-Salam and Taman Perkuburan Kampung Pampang were also recognised for excellence in mosque, surau and cemetery management respectively.
