PUTRAJAYA, June 25 — Malaysians must join authorities in fighting the spread of extremism here, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Najib said this was the most effective way to curb extremist ideologies, in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message to reporters during his Hari Raya Open House here today.

"It is true that we have very good security forces. Without their action, we won’t be celebrating Raya with this much of freedom,” he said.

He added celebrations such as the ongoing Hari Raya festival were only possible when people reject violent extremism.

Malaysia and its neighbours are grappling with the spread of extremist and militant ideologies, primarily those pushed by the Islamic State terrorist group.