KUANTAN: The Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) has detained the leader and seven followers of a group known as “Jemaah Nur Ahmad Istana Pelangi” for allegedly being involved in deviant religious activities.
Director Datuk Ahmad Khirrizal Ab Rahman said the group members were arrested during a raid at a former furniture warehouse that had been converted into the group’s residence in Kampung Sungai Putat, Pulau Tawar, Jerantut, at 2.30pm on Monday.
The raid also uncovered various documents suspected to be contrary to the teachings and faith of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, as well as items believed to contain elements of superstition.
Among the items seized were a cane, yellow cloth bindings, black cloth alleged to have the power to enrich people, and a stone wrapped in yellow cloth.
“Also seized were papers describing how to perform a lifetime combined prayer (jama’ fardhu), notes on doubtful forms of selawat recitations and pledges,” he said.
“Based on the discovery of these documents and items, the group is suspected of practising beliefs that deviate from the teachings and principles of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
“All seized materials will be referred to the Pahang Mufti Department for further examination of the case.”
Ahmad said preliminary investigations found that the 45-year-old leader of the group hails from Kampung Sungai Tekam Utara, Jerantut.
He said the man, referred to by his followers as “ayahanda” (father), had rented the former warehouse and converted it into a residence for the group more than two years ago.
The premises, which included living quarters, a sitting area, and a prayer space, were also occupied by the group leader’s 45-year-old wife and their four children, aged between eight and fifteen.
“Interviews with the group’s followers, aged between 45 and 66, revealed that they originated from Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Johor, and Melaka.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine when the group’s activities began and to identify other individuals suspected of involvement.
“All suspects detained have no prior records of syariah offences, but police are reviewing their criminal backgrounds,” he said.
Ahmad advised members of the public with information about the group’s activities to come forward and assist in the investigation, as well as to cooperate in combating practices that contradict Islamic teachings.
The leader and followers of the group are being investigated under Section 18 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 2013 for possessing and keeping documents, books, and magazines contrary to the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
If convicted, they face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine not exceeding RM3,000, or both.
They are also being investigated under Section 19 of the same enactment for failing to perform Friday prayers.
If convicted, they face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine not exceeding RM2,000, or both.
All suspects were released yesterday on bail granted by JAIP enforcement officers pending the completion of investigation papers before being charged in the Jerantut Syariah Lower Court.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
