SARATOK: The Saratok Islamic Welfare Trust Board (LAKIS) chairman, Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz, has expressed concern over the younger generation’s susceptibility to foreign cultures due to the advancements of the digital era.
He pointed out that the new generation is growing up in a digital age where technology, smartphones, social media and the Internet have become integral elements of daily life.
While technology undoubtedly brings many benefits, he expressed growing concern over its excessive use.
“I hope non-governmental organisations in Saratok, including LAKIS, can play a role in addressing this issue.
“Globalisation and foreign cultural influences have exposed the younger generation to a variety of lifestyles, worldviews and social norms that differ from the traditional values of our local community.
“As a result, some youth show little appreciation for their own culture, language and inherited customs.
“Family values are also eroding as time with family is increasingly replaced by the digital world,” he said.
Abdul Wahab was attending to 10 prospective pilgrims from Saratok during the Special Thanksgiving Event for Pilgrims of 1446H, held yesterday.
He further explained that confusion over moral and religious principles has arisen, particularly when encountering various ideologies on social media.
“This decline, if left unchecked, could disrupt social harmony and lead the younger generation to lose direction in developing a balanced identity rooted in noble values,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), who was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Dayang Rosnah Abang Drashid, offered prayers for the pilgrims, wishing them ease in fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam.
“Endless gratitude to the Almighty. May your pilgrimage be accepted by Allah and bring lasting blessings into your lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kalaka assemblyman, Mohamad Duri, noted that the event symbolised love, and expressed his heartfelt prayers for all those performing the hajj.
“I pray that the pilgrims’ journey to the Holy Land goes smoothly, blessed with health, strength and patience in fulfilling their religious obligations.
“May you attain a mabrur hajj (accepted and blessed Hajj) and return home safely and in good health,” he added.
At the same event, LAKIS also presented cash contributions to all the pilgrims from Saratok.
