ISLAMIC ARTS MAY HELP CURB SOCIAL ILLS

PORT DICKSON (Malaysia), March 16 (Bernama) -- The Islamic arts could prove
effective in dealing with social ills and prevent the people from being heavily
engrossed in entertainment, said Rural and Regional Development Minister
Muhammad Muhd Taib.

"Excessive entertainment can lead to social ills among youngsters. To curb
the menace, an alternative form of entertainment ought to be found and
introduced to the younger generation," he said when closing the Kemas' Islamic
Arts Festival at Port Dickson Polytechnic here Monday.

Port Dickson or PD to locals is a beach and holiday destination situated
about 32 km from Seremban and 90 km from Kuala Lumpur. It is located in the
state of Negeri Sembilan in Peninsular Malaysia.


His speech was read by Rural and Regional Development Ministry
secretary-general Abd Jabar Che Nai.

Muhammad said the festival could be a foray in search of an alternative form
of entertainment for the younger generation.


-- BERNAMA