‘Love programme' organisers deny promoting obscene acts, insulting behaviour
PETALING JAYA : The founders of the firm that organised the eHati marriage motivation programme last year have denied promoting obscene acts and insulting behaviour, following a police probe into the event.
In a statement, eHati International Sdn Bhd's founders, Diyana Tahir and Rahim Shukor, said the allegations against them and the programme were inaccurate and defamatory.
'We categorically deny all allegations that the eHati programme promotes elements that undermine the Islamic faith or contradict the religion's principles.
'The programmes offered by eHati in no way neglect or sideline Islamic values, the sanctity of marriage, or the roles of spouses and families,' the married couple said.
On the contrary, they said, every eHati programme was designed with clear objectives and a mission to help women cope with emotional and psychological challenges, without contradicting Islamic teachings or social responsibilities.
Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan yesterday said that the programme was being investigated under criminal laws covering obscene acts, modesty, and public decency.
He said the participants involved in the programme, held from Sept 27 to Sept 30 last year, would be summoned for their statements.
The event in Shah Alam, aimed at a Malay audience, had involved about 50 female participants.
According to a Facebook user, the event took a turn on its final day when a female speaker entered wearing a bikini. She then proceeded to strip naked and began dancing with members of her group.
They then allegedly encouraged participants to follow suit, removing their clothes after being given a mysterious drink.
The founders said they had filed a police report on Saturday to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
They also filed a complaint with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and said they were ready to give the authorities their full cooperation.
Certified hypnotherapists aiming to empower women
The founders said they were certified hypnotherapists and that every eHati programme was carefully developed to adhere to professional ethical standards while aligning with cultural and religious values.
They also said that the programmes targeted Malaysian women regardless of race and religion to help them seek inner peace, find happiness and empowerment, as well as recover from trauma using methods such as neuro-linguistic programming.
'The modules for the programme were also crafted to provide participants with tools for effective emotional regulation, including breathwork, trauma release exercises, and hypnotherapy,' they said.
The founders said their programme also helped women who might be facing challenges in their marital relationships, including confusion about their own bodies or emotional and physical readiness before and during intimacy with their spouses.
'However, this particular module is not open for all and only offered privately to those who truly need it,' they said.
No tantric practices
They denied teaching participants tantric practices, saying they offered an elective module that combines pelvic floor and Thai massages.
As for the 'mysterious drink', they said it was a mixture of raw cocoa, honey, and spices to help calm the mind and body, with no prohibited substances or 'magic mushrooms' as claimed.
Followed religious authority's recommendations
The founders said they explained their programme to the Selangor Islamic religious department (Jais) in November 2022 following several queries by the religious authority on the purpose of the programme, its activities, and participants.
'After providing details, Jais understood and accepted our explanation and allowed the programme to proceed. However, Jais advised us to include a 'disclaimer' for our participants,' they said, adding that the recommendation was adopted.
Last week, the Islamic development department and Selangor religious authorities said they were investigating the event for allegedly involving idolatry (syirik) and immoral rituals.
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