Melaka: The Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM) will investigate viral claims that a woman was forced to seek shelter in a surau in Kampung Kolam Limbongan for the past four days after failing to obtain aid from the council.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. He emphasized that MAIM offers various types of aid to eligible applicants, especially those from the asnaf (underprivileged) group.

“This claim needs to be investigated and verified first, as it is unlikely that MAIM would neglect its responsibilities. There may be more to the story,” Rahmad stated. He assured that MAIM has never stopped helping those in need and its annual allocation for aid reaches RM145 million. He added, “Surely, we will not refuse to help if a struggling individual approaches us, as claimed in the video.”

Rahmad warned that such allegations could lead to slander and tarnish MAIM’s reputation as an agency committed to the welfare of the asnaf community in the state. He urged for a thorough investigation to maintain the integrity of the council.

In a separate development, Rahmad highlighted the state government’s commitment, through MAIM, to ensuring the welfare of Muslim converts (mualaf) and prioritising their needs to prevent any feelings of marginalization. As an example, he mentioned the establishment of Balai Islam at Kompleks Darul Huda, which serves as a one-stop centre providing shelter, welfare support, and Islamic guidance for new Muslim converts.