Penang Islamic Affairs Department probes Muslim workers’ involvement in temple clean-up

The Penang Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAIPP) is currently investigating the involvement of Muslim hotel employees in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme that included cleaning a Hindu temple in Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town. The activity, which involved 20 hotel employees, drew attention after a video of the cleanup went viral on social media on Oct 8.

JHEAIPP's enforcement division and the police met with the hotel's management on Oct 14 to seek clarification on the programme, the tasks assigned to Muslim employees, and whether religious sensitivities had been taken into account. The department has stated that the hotel management has cooperated during the meeting. As a follow-up, JHEAIPP will provide guidance to the Muslim employees involved on safeguarding their faith and the limits of participation in activities at non-Muslim places of worship.

It also plans to hold an advocacy programme for the hotel’s management and staff on Oct 20 to improve their understanding of the issue and prevent similar incidents from recurring. The matter is covered by a ruling issued by Penang Mufti Mohd Sukki Othman on Oct 12, which states that it is haram for Muslims to take part in cleaning activities directly involving areas or facilities specifically used for the worship of other religions.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Vibes's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.