| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
SMARTPHONE users are increasingly becoming depen-dent on their mobile devices for instant access to communication, entertainment, information and online services, said Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, while delivering his special lecture yesterday at the opening ceremony of the Knowledge Convention 2016.
“Users are not forbidden to use smartphones and other information technology, but they are encouraged to adjust their ways, because their sense of attachment and addiction to smartphones may lead to the abuse of info-communication technology,” he said.
The State Mufti also stressed that information technology carries certain advantages, particularly when used in service of one’s country or community, together with cons-tant remembrance of Allah the Almighty.
He also noted the widespread use of social media sites, which he said had the potential to create a world without borders, allowing users to keep up with the latest developments, or start discussions on topics of interest.
However, he reminded that social networking has its negative consequences, often caused by unlimited access to the Internet.
Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, presenting his special lecture at the Knowledge Convention 2016. – AZROL AZMI
“It exposes children, youths and students to unwelcome elements and moral depravity,” he said. “By using the Internet, they have easy access to pornographic material in the form of photos and videos, without any limits.”
He cited a 2009 study which showed that pornography sites ranked fourth and fifth out of the 100 websites often visited by children and youths.
The State Mufti also expressed his concerns that most young people were inclined to let their guard down when befriending strangers on cyberspace.
He concluded his lecture by reminding all those present to refrain from wasting information technology on cybercrimes and pornography, which he said were among the major causes of deterioration within a society.
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