ALOR SETAR: The Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah has expressed concern over religious extremism, in which some Kedahans have been influenced to join militant activities in foreign countries.

Tuanku Abdul Halim, who is also the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, said the actions of those who chose to die as terrorists contradicted the teachings of Islam.

He urged parents to prevent their children from being swayed by extremist ideologies.

“Extremists killing fellow Muslims is definitely a sin, as stated in the Quran.

The true teachings of Islam promote peace,” he said in his 87th birthday message, which was read out by Kedah Regency Council chairman Tunku Temenggong Kedah Tan Sri Tunku Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah during an investiture ceremony at Istana Anak Bukit yesterday.

The Sultan hoped that the religious authorities would continue efforts to promote the true teachings of Islam to the people.

Due recognition: Fischer (right) posing with his wife Datin Amme-lise (left) after receiving the award at Istana Anak Bukit, Alor Setar, Kedah.

Mohammad Fadhlan Shahidi Mohammad Khir, 22, and Mohd Lotfi Ariffin, 46, both from Kedah, were reportedly killed after joining Islamic State militants in Syria.

At the investiture ceremony, 76 people received awards from the palace.

Bukit Aman Special Branch officer Asst Supt Mohamad Hasnal Jamil, who was seriously wounded during Ops Daulat campaign in Sabah, was the sole recipient of the Bintang Keberanian Kedah (BKK) for bravery.

The 33-year-old officer, from Kuala Ketil near here, was shot three times and suffered six slash wounds to his arms and head during the operation.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa was the sole recipient of the Darjah Paduka Seri Setia Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah carrying the title “Datuk Paduka”.

Among those who received the Darjah Gemilang Seri Mahkota Kedah Yang Amat Dihormati, which carries the title “Datuk Wira”, were Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall deputy chairman Datuk Tan Son Lee, Securiforce Group executive chairman Datuk Maznah Abd Hamid, Halal Industry Development Corporation Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin and SH Synergy Corporation Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Chin Seak Huat.

Malaysian ambassador to Finland Puan Sri Blanche Olbery received the Darjah Setia Diraja Kedah, which carries the title “Datuk”.

Kedah MCA deputy chairman Goh Chin Cheung and state Wanita MCA chief Tan Yang Chu were bestowed the DSDK and Jaksa Pendamai respectively.

Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Georg Josep Fischer received the Darjah Setia DiRaja Kedah (DSDK Kehormat), which carries the title “Datuk”.