(AFP) Schools will be asked to hold more classes and increase extra-curricular activities to prevent students from being tempted to commit crime, a report said today.

Schools have also been ordered to set up a committee to check the spread of anti-social activities among teenagers, including the satanic 'Black Metal' cult, The Sun newspaper quoted deputy premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as saying.

"This is a preventive measure to check the activities of students while they are in school," Abdullah said.

"It is disturbing to see the number of crimes lately, including rape involving students. Schools can take immediate action if they suspect anything amiss."

The committee, comprising teachers and parents, would monitor and investigate any students playing truant or who have a sudden drop in grades.

Special session

Abdullah said troubled students would receive counselling and police may be called in for serious cases.

The government is worried about the emergence of the black metal cult, which it claims uses heavy metal music to woo recruits and practises satanic rituals.

It is also concerned that many youths are addicted to watching cheap pornographic videos, blamed for a rise in rape and other violent crimes.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is to chair a special cabinet session on August 8 to discuss the trend.