By Amanda L
KUCHING, June 14: Mosques and suraus can serve as important platforms to nurture artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among youths while strengthening community understanding of emerging technologies, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
He said religious institutions must continue to evolve in step with societal needs by complementing traditional religious education with practical knowledge and relevant skillsets that benefit today’s communities.
“With AI already embedded in daily life, it has the potential to enhance communication, outreach and community engagement if deployed effectively at the grassroots level.
“AI skills should also be imparted to our young people. If possible, mosques can organise programmes to increase knowledge and skills in AI and how the technology can be used to convey information to the community,” he said when officiating the new Surau Nurul Muslimin building in Kampung Sungai Bedil Besar here.
He said such initiatives would also allow religious institutions to better leverage digital tools and AI-powered platforms in promoting their activities, especially in reaching younger generations who are highly active online.
In addition, he pointed out that near-universal smartphone adoption allows community programmes, educational activities and religious events to be shared more effectively through digital channels.
Fadillah who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said broader exposure to AI could help draw more youths into mosque and surau activities while simultaneously deepening their understanding of emerging technologies.
At the same time, he cautioned that rapid advancements in AI come with growing risks, particularly the proliferation of deepfake technology and increasingly sophisticated forms of manipulated digital content.
He pointed out that modern AI systems are now capable of producing highly realistic images, videos and audio, making it more difficult for the public to distinguish between authentic and fabricated material.
“We need to master this technology so that we can distinguish between what is genuine and what is fake. If we fail to do so, people can easily be influenced by deepfakes and false information,” he said.
He warned that the misuse of AI could trigger confusion and social discord if communities are unable to verify the authenticity of content circulating online with potential impacts extending to individuals, families and society at large.
The Deputy Prime Minister also urged the public to remain vigilant against online narratives that may be used to sow distrust and division among different races and religions.
“As technology continues to evolve, we must equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and skills so that we can determine what is best for our state and our people,” he said. — DayakDaily
