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

SHAH ALAM, Oct 11 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) is investigating a viral post concerning an individual believed to be Muslim who allegedly performed rituals of another religion in violation of Islamic law.

Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said investigations had begun under Sections 4 and 10 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, which cover acts of demonstrating worship in ways that contravene Islamic law and bringing Islam into contempt, according to a report by Bernama.

“So far, Jais has not been able to confirm that the act was committed by the individual concerned during the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves, Selangor, as claimed in the viral post.

“We also do not rule out the possibility that the post involved superimposed editing or artificial intelligence (AI),” he said in a statement today.

Mohd Shahzihan said Jais would investigate several aspects of the case, including the location of the incident, more thoroughly and urgently.

“This is to establish Jais’ jurisdiction to take further action under the laws in force.

“Matters concerning the Islamic faith of Muslims in Selangor are taken seriously, and every piece of information or complaint will be investigated, with action taken professionally, firmly, swiftly, accurately and fairly,” he said.

Yesterday, the media reported that the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) was taking action with the relevant authorities over the circulation of several video recordings allegedly showing a Muslim individual participating in non-Islamic religious rituals.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan was reported as saying that his department had taken note of the recordings, which were also linked to alleged acts of worship and the use of certain mantras.