Man, Mother Detained to Assist Investigation into Religious Ritual Case

SHAH ALAM: A man who went viral on social media for allegedly performing rituals associated with another religion, believed to be contrary to Islamic law, was detained along with his mother in Kuala Lumpur today to assist in an investigation.

Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad confirmed in a statement today that the mother and son were detained around noon.

He said the arrests were carried out under warrants issued by the Shah Alam Syariah Lower Court and executed by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI).

“The two suspects are currently being investigated by JAIS under Sections 4 and 10 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995.

“Based on intelligence gathered after the case went viral, JAIS is expected to summon at least 14 other individuals to assist in the investigation,” he said.

Mohd Shahzihan said JAIS viewed the matter seriously and would ensure that appropriate action was taken based on its jurisdiction, the law and the facts of the case.

“We hope all parties will allow the authorities to complete their investigation.

“Members of the public are advised not to speculate or spread unverified information,” he said.

Earlier, the two individuals, aged 21 and 52, were brought to the JAIS Enforcement Management Division at the Sultan Idris Shah Building here at 3.50pm in a departmental enforcement van to assist in the investigation.

Previously, Mohd Shahzihan said JAIS was investigating a viral social media post involving an individual believed to be Muslim who allegedly performed rituals associated with another religion that were contrary to Islamic law.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said his office was working with the relevant authorities to take action over several video recordings of the incident circulating online.

BERNAMA