Johor bahru: The investigation into the viral incident involving a man performing silat at a cemetery in Johor should take into account the individual’s welfare and safety, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said. He noted that the man’s actions had raised questions and concerns among the public, particularly regarding decorum and sensitivities at burial grounds.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na’im emphasized that cemeteries are not places for actions that could cause misunderstanding, disturb the peace, or offend bereaved families. However, he stressed the importance of responding with care and empathy, suggesting that the individual might require psychosocial support or intervention from the authorities or his family.

Mohd Na’im lauded the swift response from Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, who tasked the Kluang District Kadi Office with investigating the matter. He highlighted the significance of such an approach to ensure no breaches of decorum, Islamic law, or public order, and to gain a clear understanding of the individual’s circumstances.

He also urged the public to refrain from excessive speculation and to trust the state Islamic authorities to handle the matter appropriately. Mohd Na’im assured that collaboration with the Johor government and the Johor Islamic Religious Department would continue to ensure the incident is managed with prudence and sensitivity, aligning with the spirit of Malaysia MADANI and for the benefit of all involved.

The media had reported that the state government instructed the Kluang Kadi Office to investigate a viral video depicting a man making silat-like movements at a Muslim cemetery. The video, a 28-second clip recorded by a passerby, showed a man wearing a jacket and helmet performing a series of hand and foot movements at the cemetery.