In the 1980s, the Sky Kingdom commune in Hulu Besut, Terengganu gained attention for being home to a peculiar religious sect. The commune featured unique symbols such as a massive two-storey teapot, a giant umbrella, and a concrete boat.
Founded by Ariffin Mohamad, also known as Ayah Pin, the Sky Kingdom sect was considered deviant by religious authorities. Ayah Pin claimed to be a divine messenger and even declared himself as God, with followers referring to him as ayah (father).
Born in Bachok, Kelantan in 1943, Ariffin relocated to Hulu Besut in 1975 and established Sky Kingdom in the 1980s. His commune in Kampung Batu 13 boasted the infamous giant teapot and other structures that reportedly cost over RM1 million to construct.
When asked about relocating his followers following government disapproval of the sect, Ayah Pin stated, “I will not ask them to go because I did not invite them here in the first place. They are free to come and go.”
According to one follower, Ayah Pin possessed the ability to read minds and was believed to be omnipresent and omnipotent. His diverse group of followers included a police inspector and a drummer from a rock band.
In 1996, the Terengganu Religious and Malay Customs Council Fatwa Committee declared Ayah Pin’s teachings as deviant. Subsequently, on June 2, 2010, the Besut district council demolished the giant teapot and other structures at the commune.
During a 2007 trial of alleged followers, a Dungun religious enforcement officer revealed that followers believed the teapot collected water flowing from heaven and the umbrella offered divine protection.
