JAKIM Monitoring Viral Video On Shia Practices, Engages Police, MCMC

BANGI, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is monitoring the circulation of a video allegedly linked to Shia practices on social media and is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the matter.

Its director-general, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the department is aware of the circulation of the video, which allegedly occurred within certain groups or at specific premises.

“We have also received information that the circulation is limited to its members only.

“What we are trying to prevent is wider dissemination, attempts to recruit new members or spread its influence,” he told reporters after attending the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) engagement session with the JAKIM Corporate Dakwah Secretariat here today.

Recently, a 20-second video clip went viral on social media showing a group of men, believed to be Pakistani nationals who are Shia followers, chanting religious verses while dancing at a premises associated with the teaching in the capital.

Sirajuddin said monitoring is being carried out continuously by JAKIM, as well as by the State Islamic Religious Department and State Islamic Religious Council.

Meanwhile, in a statement, JAKIM said checks on social media found that the issue has drawn widespread attention from netizens, including being reshared by local religious figures.

“In the comment section of the post uploaded, netizens tagged various government agencies such as JAKIM, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department, PDRM, MCMC, and several national leaders, urging immediate action to be taken,” JAKIM said.

According to JAKIM, Shia teachings have been declared by Fatwa Committees at various levels in Malaysia as being contrary to the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, including by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia on May 5, 1996.

Nearly all states, including Selangor, the federal territories, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan, have issued fatwas prohibiting or banning the dissemination of Shia teachings among Muslims.

-- BERNAMA