(AFP) Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today urged teachers and parents to help curb a teenage cult which is said to be spreading in the country.

"Today we read about a group of Malays who have departed from Islamic teachings, practising satanism, involved in what is called black metal culture," Mahathir told an audience during a visit to Kota Baru, Kelantan.

"They have reached a stage where they, our Malay youths ... are prepared to step on the Koran, tear the Koran and step on the Koran and the Bible," he said.

"Let us ask ourselves why this has happened when such a thing never happened before. What makes it more sad is that the majority of these students, involved in such unusual activities, are from religious schools."

Mahathir, quoted by Bernama news agency, urged parents and teachers to tackle youth problems and identify reasons for the appeal of such cults.

"There must be something which leads them in being prepared to reject the religion and be involved in activities based on anti-religion and anti-establishment philosophy," he said.

Islamic religious authorities and police have announced plans to crack down on ringleaders of the "black metal cult", which is said to use heavy metal music to attract recruits and to practise satanic rituals.

Bernama said the cabinet had reportedly ordered authorities to question members of several "black metal" bands.

The Sun newspaper said the cult is believed to have recruited more than 1,000 members, some as young as 10, in Kuala Muda district in Kedah.

It said members meet in forests, abandoned housing schemes and other isolated spots.