Perak authorities always vigilant against deviant teachings, says JAIPk chief

The state Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) in Perak has stated that heretical cults exist in the state but are under control. The director of JAIPk, Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim, mentioned that the department collaborates with agencies such as the police to contain the spread of cult teachings. He added that it is challenging to identify the districts with the highest incidences of cult teachings since they appear and disappear sporadically. Harith expressed confusion as to why some people fall for these teachings, especially those originating from outside of Perak. He made these comments after the closing ceremony of Muzakarah Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah at the Casuarina Convention Centre in Meru Raya on Thursday (Oct 12).

Harith highlighted the department’s collaboration with the police Special Branch. Both parties regularly meet and update each other regarding the detection of new cult teachings in the state. During the conference’s opening on Wednesday (Oct 11), Sultan Nazrin remarked that threats against Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaa (ASWJ), faithful to the Quran and Sunnah, were openly made. Sultan Nazrin attributed these threats to enemies of Islam, who employ covert means through specific movements and individuals representing themselves as scholars, ustaz, and teachers. These individuals propagate deviant teachings and interpretations that deviate from true Islam.

In order to safeguard, preserve, understand, and promote the beliefs of ASWJ as directed by the Perak Ruler, Harith announced that the department would make adjustments to the curriculum for mosques and surau in Perak. These adjustments aim to align with the correct teachings of Islam. Additionally, the department will diligently monitor mosques and surau to ensure the absence of any cult teachings. On July 25, the Perak fatwa committee declared the teachings of the “Si Hulk” cult, founded by Suhaini Mohamad, as deviant. According to state mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan Teh, this cult misinterprets the Quran and violates Islamic beliefs, Syariah, and morals.