Khairy called the anti-hysteria kit the personification of a backward-thinking society. ― File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 ― Federal minister Khairy Jamaluddin took a swipe today at the group that produced the "anti-hysteria" kit, saying Malaysians should be more scientific and modern instead of remaining a society entrenched in superstitious beliefs.

Speaking at the launch of a computer coding programme for rural youths organised by Umno Youth, the youth and sports minister called the anti-hysteria kit the personification of a backward-thinking society.

"We want our society to become scientific, innovative. We want our youth to produce something new, not something like the anti-hysteria kit.

"The anti-hysteria kit is nonsense, absurd superstition and we don't want our society to be nonsensical," Khairy, who is also the wing's chief, said at the programme.

Khairy added the coding programme organised by Umno youth is an example of the kind of initiatives that should be encouraged in order to create a Malay society that was science-savvy.

"We don't want something like the anti-hysteria kit. That is the mark of a backward society," he said.

The kit produced by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) is sold for RM8,750 each to “ward off evil spirits”.

It was touted as being based on the Quran and hadith, though its makers did not elaborate how.

Some of the items used in the kit include chopsticks, salt, lime, vinegar, pepper spray, and formic acid.

The idea was ridiculed domestically and internationally.

The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia’s (IKIM) Centre said the kit showed Malaysian Muslims were still unable to tell the difference between the supernatural and science.

Despite the criticism, UMP defended the kit, claiming that it was based on scientific research and has a proven track record in over 50 test cases.

It was also quick to offer its services and said the introduction of the kit was timely after a school in Kelantan had a mass hysteria attack.

The hysteria incident was reported worldwide.