The Perlis Fatwa Committee has decided that vaccination is the most effective method to prevent diseases and thus obligatory (wajib) for Muslims to take them.

The decision was made during the 23rd meeting of the Perlis Fatwa Committee on October 3-4.

"The negligence of parents in discharging this responsibility is sinful since it can endanger the lives of their children," said the Perlis Fatwa Committee in a statement, here today.

"Therefore, the Muslim community in Perlis should not refuse vaccination and the refusal to seek medical prevention is irresponsible.

"Even if parents do not want the vaccination given to their children, causing a disease outbreak is also sinful," said the statement.

Vaccination is the process of giving immunisation to infants aimed at preventing infectious diseases that can be given by injection or via the mouth where the side effects (if any) are light and not dangerous. --BERNAMA