Jais probes viral post alleging Muslim took part in non-Islamic religious ritual

Shah Alam, on October 11 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) is investigating claims that a Muslim individual participated in a non-Islamic religious ritual during the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves, Selangor. Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad confirmed that an inquiry had commenced under Sections 4 and 10 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, which pertain to acts of worship that contravene Islamic law and bringing Islam into contempt.

However, Jais has yet to verify that the alleged act was carried out by the person in question during the event. Mohd Shahzihan also expressed uncertainty regarding the possibility of superimposed editing or the use of artificial intelligence in the viral post. The investigation will encompass several aspects of the case, including the precise location of the incident, in order to ascertain Jais' jurisdiction to take further action under applicable laws.

Matters related to the Islamic faith of Muslims in Selangor are taken seriously by the department, and every piece of information or complaint will be investigated with utmost professionalism, firmness, speed, accuracy, and fairness. Earlier, the media reported that the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) was addressing the circulation of several video recordings purportedly showing a Muslim individual engaging in non-Islamic religious rituals.

Dr Zulkifli Hasan, a minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), was quoted as acknowledging receipt of the recordings, which were also connected to alleged acts of worship and the utilization of specific mantras.