PASIR PUTEH, March 24 — Entertainment based on the Islamic concept must be highlighted especially involving the rural community, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Senator Datuk Asyraf Wadji Dusuki.

Asyraf Wajdi said this was important to churn out individuals who were courteous and upheld high morals.

"Programmes which are based on Islam must be given priority to the young generation to hinder them from being involved with negative culture such as indulging in crimes and drug abuse which destroy their future.

"Islam must be featured as a role model so that the non-Muslim communities continue to respect us,” he told reporters after launching the Tok Bali 1Nelayan Carnival, here last night.

Twenty-four federal and state government agencies especially those relating to Islam worked together to organise the two-day programme that began on Wednesday. — Bernama