KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is stepping up enforcement against deviant teachings while enhancing emergency response preparedness across the State, said Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
The State Local Government and Housing Minister said monitoring of false doctrines is being carried out by the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) under the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1995.
“Those recently arrested have been called to give statements. Monitoring will continue to be strengthened to curb deviant teachings,” he said referring to the 300 arrests involving Ahmadiyah Qadiani followers at a school at Likas recently.
He said this at the closing ceremony of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) Competency Enhancement Training 2026 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Saturday.
Arifin, who is also Sabah’s Religious Islamic Affairs Exco, said collaboration with Muis and the Fatwa Committee will be intensified, while all religious teachers must undergo tauliah screening.
“We will continue to uphold Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah teachings through proper dakwah and consistent monitoring,” he said, noting ongoing cooperation between Jheains, police and relevant coordination committees.
On emergency preparedness, Arifin commended the role of Emergency Response Teams (ERT), particularly in high-risk premises such as factories, hotels and shopping malls.
“ERT members serve as first responders in emergency situations. Their role is critical, and more community leaders should work with Bomba to strengthen volunteer teams,” he said.
Earlier, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Deputy Director (Operations) Senior Assistant Fire Commissioner Lizalman Abu said 82 ERT teams involving 820 participants from Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Kudat and Keningau took part in the programme.
Including earlier sessions in Tawau and Sandakan, total participation reached 167 premises and 1,670 members.
“The strong response reflects the commitment of organisations towards fire safety and preparedness,” he said, adding that 271 high-risk premises have been identified as requiring ERT units.
Participants underwent training in firefighting equipment, rescue techniques and fire suppression as part of efforts to strengthen readiness and safety culture in Sabah.
