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Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Religious minister: Jais to call two new witnesses in eHati probe tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) will summon two new witnesses tomorrow to record their statements as part of the investigation into the eHati marriage programme, which is alleged to involve immoral activities and the dissemination of questionable beliefs. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said that the case is being investigated under Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995. 'So far, I can confirm that the investigation has begun, and we hope that the witnesses will be present tomorrow,' he said after officiating the pre-launch ceremony of the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA), at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), today. Mohd Na'im said that two women, who were the initial witnesses, had previously lodged a complaint with the Jais Research Division. 'However, I was informed by the Enforcement Division that both complainants appeared somewhat hesitant to come forward and provide further information to Jais. I hope this issue can be clarified, so that everyone understands the situation and the truth can be revealed,' he said. 'It is crucial for witnesses to come forward and assist the Jais Enforcement Division in carrying out a professional investigation, to ensure that no party is unfairly treated,' he said. He added that the Jais Enforcement Division is also working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which will investigate the case from the standpoint of potential civil law offences. In this regard, he urged all parties with relevant information to step forward and fully cooperate with the authorities. 'I sincerely urge all parties involved, or with relevant information, to come forward and assist the Jais Enforcement Division by providing truthful details, so that the matter can be resolved fairly and transparently,' he said. The public was recently taken aback by revelations on social media alleging that the eHati motivational programme, reportedly organised by a married couple, involved immoral activities and the propagation of dubious beliefs. In a recent post on the user's Facebook page, it was claimed that two women had performed a nude dance during a session, held at a convention centre in Shah Alam. It was further alleged that participants were given a liquid of unknown contents that induced emotional changes in a short time and were instructed to undergo 'holy cleansing baths' and 'rebirth' rituals resembling practices from other religions. — Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Police to interview all eHati programme participants in probe into obscene performances
SHAH ALAM: Police will summon all participants of the recent eHati marriage motivation programme to have their statements recorded. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said investigations were launched after an inquiry paper was opened into the case. "Based on investigations under the inquiry paper, the case has now been classified under sections 294 (obscene songs) and 509 (Word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a person) of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act. "More detailed investigations are needed to ascertain if there were obscene elements or teachings that deviate from societal norms as has been alleged. "A thorough investigation is underway to ensure every aspect and claim can be assessed fairly," he said in a statement. Hussein asked the public to be more vigilant and cautious when participating in any programmes, activities, or workshops with unclear objectives or unknown organisers. "The public is encouraged to conduct checks and make references beforehand before participating, so as not to get involved in activities that go against the law and moral values of society," he said. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was reported to have asked Jais to look into allegations of immoral activities occurring during the organisation of eHati programmes at a convention centre.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
'The Malaysian Diddy freak-offs'? Marriage programme under fire for nude rituals
SHAH ALAM – What was marketed as a women's self-empowerment and marital motivation programme turned into something deeply disturbing. Held here in September 2024, this 'marriage motivation' event, spearheaded by a husband-and-wife team, has triggered national outrage following allegations of nude rituals, sexually charged activities and spiritual practices resembling religious deviance. Now, the authorities are stepping in. The event was alleged to have involved indecent displays and elements deemed un-Islamic. Photo: Masyitah Asyari's Facebook page The Malaysian Diddy freak-offs The core of the four-day event was a session known as the Queen Session, which attracted around 50 women. According to a former participant, the atmosphere became unsettling when the room was dimmed and the facilitators entered with romantic music playing. Several women dressed as 'Cleopatra' took the stage, followed by the programme's founder (the wife), who eventually danced naked in front of attendees. 'She invited others to join in. Many were stunned and uncomfortable,' the former participant wrote in a now-viral Facebook post. What followed was a sequence of events that reportedly resembled a cult-like initiation: Female facilitators danced provocatively and simulated intimate acts. Participants were allegedly given a strange beverage called 'Piya', said to invoke feelings of courage and desire. A symbolic ritual called 'Sacred Bath' or 'Rebirth' involved a nude woman being wiped with wet towels, allegedly representing spiritual cleansing. Attendees were instructed to discard symbolic burdens by throwing underwear and clothing onto the stage. Some participants stripped completely nude. The former participant described the ritual as a dangerous blend of New Age spiritualism and religious deviation, especially shocking in Selangor, a state with strict religious regulations. She stated that an official report with evidence had been submitted and this issue had been raised previously by education activist Cikgu Fadli Salleh, but without prior action. Police and religious authorities begin investigation Following a complaint filed in February by the husband of a participant, Shah Alam district police confirmed that an investigation was underway. Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim revealed that witnesses and the complainant's wife had been interviewed. Representatives from Jais (Selangor Islamic Religious Department) were present during questioning. 'We recorded statements from several witnesses who were at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact Shah Alam Police,' Iqbal urged. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, stated that he is aware of the public concerns. 'The approach used in the programme has caused considerable unease. I have instructed Jakim's Director-General to work closely with Jais to address this matter,' he said. Were these rituals rooted in other faiths? Some former participants claim the programme drew references from non-Islamic religious texts, including Hindu scriptures and that teachings were distributed through private Telegram channels. These allegations further fueled speculation that the programme was spreading deviant doctrines under the guise of women's self-help and marriage counselling. Reports indicated that the mysterious drink called, 'Piya' was given to participants before the bizarre rituals commenced. The drink allegedly caused altered emotional states and made attendees more vulnerable to suggestion. Politicians and religious leaders respond The programme's activities have received harsh criticism from both religious and political figures. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari confirmed that the event had no affiliation with any state agency. 'I am concerned about the allegations. I have instructed Jais to conduct a full investigation and to take firm action if the allegations are found to be true,' he said. Jakim Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said that this joint investigation is part of an ongoing effort to curb deviant practices and the spread of harmful ideologies that contradict Islamic teachings. He added that Jakim views this matter seriously and will work with state authorities to protect morality, family harmony and the sanctity of Islamic teachings. Offers of help for affected women In a more supportive response, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has offered counselling services to women affected by the incident. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said that their Social Welfare Department and Women's Development Division are prepared to assist. 'In cases like this, we usually mobilise counsellors. We advise women to thoroughly verify the credibility of any programme before joining,' she said. Repercussions and public outrage Public sentiment has been unforgiving. Many on social media are questioning how such a programme with nudity, ritualistic elements and sexual content could have taken place without prior scrutiny from local authorities. The fact that the event occurred at a public convention centre in Shah Alam, so close to Jais headquarters, only intensified criticism. Calls are now mounting for criminal charges, a ban on similar self-help movements and a crackdown on unregulated motivational programmes masquerading as spiritual healing or family therapy. What is Next? The founders of the event allegedly a husband-and-wife team will soon be summoned by Jais for formal questioning. Investigators are also looking into potential violations of religious law, public decency laws and whether any psychoactive substances were used. Religious authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious programmes and avoid groups not recognised by Jakim or state Islamic departments. The case also serves as a cautionary tale, especially for those seeking help for marital or emotional issues. Always verify the legitimacy of any programme, especially those involving closed-door activities, unregulated rituals, or unverified claims of transformation. As of now, no arrests have been made, but authorities assure the public that appropriate action will follow once investigations conclude.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
S'gor police open inquiry paper to identify crimes linked to eHATI
SHAH ALAM: The police have confirmed that an inquiry paper has been opened to identify any criminal offence linked to the eHATI marriage motivation programme. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said several witnesses will be called soon to obtain confirmation include the use of water that allegedly caused hallucinations. "Currently, information has only been obtained from third parties and the police will call up any individual involved to prove whether there criminal offences exist. "As such, the police will open an investigation paper to secure direct statements and confirmation about the use of certain water or other offences under the Penal Code," he said when contacted today. He said the police are working with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) according to their jurisdictions to obtain vital facts about the allegations against eHATI. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was reported to have asked Jais to look into allegations of immoral activities occurring during the organisation of eHATI programmes at a convention centre here and Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad issued a statement stating that the case was being investigated under Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
‘Immoral acts' under probe
Semi-nude dancing allegedly part of family motivation programme PETALING JAYA: The police have taken statements from several people in relation to allegations of immoral activities during a family motivation programme. Shah Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said the incident allegedly occurred at a convention centre last year with a police report lodged at the end of February. 'We have called in the wife of the complainant as well as other participants of the event to have their statements taken,' he said yesterday. 'The incident was alleged to have occurred in September 2024. 'There are several matters that we must confirm first before any decision is made if follow-up action is to be taken by the police or Jais,' ACP Mohd Iqbal said, referring to the Selangor Islamic Religious Department. On Friday, Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee was reported to have said Jakim would investigate the organisation of a marriage motivation programme at a convention centre in September last year, which was linked to alleged indecent acts and idolatry that included a supposed holy cleansing bath and semi-nude dancing. Meanwhile, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said strict action should be taken if the allegations are found to be true. 'The report has just been received. I have asked Jais to investigate and take strict action because it was organised privately in the hall, and not related to the state government. 'However, I am concerned with what was revealed. We need to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against anyone involved,' he said when met after launching the Turath Islami 2025 Festival yesterday, Bernama reported. Asked if the convention centre management would be called in to provide an explanation, Amirudin said the authorities needed to investigate the matter first. Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the organiser of a marital motivation programme was summoned by the department's officials regarding their modules three years ago. He said a former participant of the group's programme lodged a complaint in 2022, raising concerns regarding the inappropriate modules that the organiser had allegedly used in the programme. He added that the organiser was called in by a hearing panel under the Selangor Islamic Religious Council's aqidah (faith) control committee and was instructed to revise several modules to ensure compliance with Islamic principles. Mohd Shahzihan said Jais did not receive any report about the alleged immoral activities during one of the group's sessions at a convention centre in September last year, which went viral on social media. However, he said the department will summon several individuals on Tuesday to assist in the investigation and will work closely with the police. He said Jais will conduct an investigation under Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995 (false doctrine) on suspicion that a ceremony or act related to Islam that is contrary to Islamic law had taken place. 'Jais views such matters seriously and will take all necessary measures to prevent and counter any activity that goes against Islamic law and ethical values, which are rejected by all levels of society in Selangor and the country at large,' he said. He urged those with information on the programme to contact Jais enforcement management division via its hotline at 1800-88-2424 or to visit the Jais office directly.
