Malaysian authorities arrest man and mother over non-Islamic rituals

Religious authorities in Malaysia have arrested a 21-year-old man and his 51-year-old mother following allegations that they participated in non-Islamic religious rituals. The arrests were carried out by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) in Kuala Lumpur following a warrant issued by the Shah Alam Syariah Lower Court.

The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) is investigating the suspects under Sections 4 and 10 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, which pertain to acts of reverence contrary to Islamic law and insulting the religion of Islam. JAIS Director Datuk Mohd. Shahzihan Ahmad stated that at least 14 other individuals are expected to be summoned to assist with the ongoing investigation.

The crackdown follows the circulation of social media videos allegedly showing Muslims participating in non-Islamic rituals. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has also forwarded reports to state religious departments for further review.