Kuala lumpur: 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, stated that the department is aware of the video, which allegedly occurred within certain groups or at specific premises.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the circulation of the video is reportedly limited to its members only. JAKIM's primary concern is to prevent wider dissemination, attempts to recruit new members, or spread its influence. This was outlined by Dr Sirajuddin during a session with the Minister at the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) and the JAKIM Corporate Dakwah Secretariat.
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 emphasized that monitoring is being carried out continuously by JAKIM, as well as by the State Islamic Religious Department and State Islamic Religious Council.
In a statement, JAKIM mentioned that social media checks found the issue has drawn significant attention from netizens, with posts being reshared by local religious figures. In the comment sections, netizens tagged various government agencies such as JAKIM, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department, PDRM, MCMC, and several national leaders, urging for immediate action.
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.