Malaysians must reject all acts of extremism and racial division so as to maintain national prosperity, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said the unity and harmony being enjoyed now were the result of the concerted efforts of leaders and freedom fighters, and the people of the various races were fortunate they could live in harmony.

"Let us be thankful and appreciate the peace and the shared noble values in the spirit of 1Malaysia," he said in his Aidilfitri message Sunday.

Liow said the people, while celebrating Aidilfitri with family and friends, should spare a thought for the Malaysians and others who were passengers and crew on the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights MH370 and MH17.

Flight MH370 dropped off from radar on March 8 while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board.

Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17 while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew on board. It is believed to have been shot down.

Liow said: "As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, we should be united in facing these situations as well as all the challenges of the future."

The Transport Minister reminded road users to exercise caution while driving to their hometowns and villages for the Aidilfitri.