Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom has confirmed that there are no religious schools in the country directly recruiting youths to join the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) movement.

NONE He said in reality, extremist groups based on ideologies of militant leaders such as the JI always attempted to infiltrate such schools.

"There are individuals or groups trying to make their way into these institutions to influence students. They use religion to realise their goal and this is the reason why terrorism is linked to Islam," he told reporters when asked to comment on news reports that a private religious school in Malaysia was recruiting members to join the JI militant group.

When approached after presenting a cheque for RM205,000 to Sekolah Menengah Agama Saadah Al Islamiah in Kampung Sungai Limau Dalam, Kedah, today, Jamil Khir said the police, Islamic Development Department and State Islamic Religious Departments continuously monitor the activities of JI and other militant groups trying to spread their extremist thinking in the country.

He said that the various quarters were exchanging information and updates on developments so as to facilitate action for eradication.

Meanwhile, Jamil Khir urged Muslims to pray for the success of the humanitarian flotilla leaving for Gaza on June 27, adding that he hoped this mission would be a successful one.   

- Bernama