Transgender people have been urged to follow the footsteps of Safiey Ilias, who decided to return to the right path.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said Safiey's action should be emulated by other transgender persons who strayed from Islamic teachings.

"Safiey strayed from Islamic teachings but he received enlightenment and returned to being a man who believes in religion," he said during a community function at Guar Chempedak community hall in Yan, Kedah, today.

State Islamic religious councils and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should guide transgender people back to the right path and adhere to Islamic principles.

Meanwhile, Jamil called on state Islamic authorities not to ignore those who converted to Islam.

"If they are neglected after converting to Islam, they will begin to lose confidence and may leave Islam. We need to monitor and guide them because Islam is a beautiful religion," he added.