KLANG, Feb 5 — Moderate Malaysians must step up now against extremist groups before they entrench themselves permanently in the country, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said today.

The minister in charge of national unity said the onus is on ordinary Malaysians, who collectively formed what he claimed to be the “silent majority” to stop the rise of extremism in the country before it is too late.

"Before they (extremist groups) can breed in a hospitable environment we better stop them," Kurup said in his speech at the launch of the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2015 here.

Extremism is a threat to national unity‎ and security and will affect the country's harmonious and multi-racial landscape, the minister added.

"Extremism is feared to change everything we have fought for in the last 50 years.

"Extremism and intolerance to others if let to prosper without intervention will paralyse our vision to create a balanced and fair community, whereby the possibility for those of diverse faith to live in unity and peace will become an impossible dream," he added.

Kurup pointed out that Malaysians showed unity in the wake of the recent floods crisis, where people helped each other out regardless of race or religious beliefs.

“The same was also evident in the wake of the MH370 and MH17 tragedies, whereby those of all faiths came together to pray for the departed according to their own rites.

“I hope therefore, that we do not see religion being restrained within the walls of respective religious buildings, but be more open and accepting of the presence of many other faiths in this world,” he said.