JAIS Probes Viral Video Of Alleged Muslim Participating In Non-Islamic Rituals

SHAH ALAM, Oct 11 – The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has launched a formal investigation into a viral social media post showing an individual believed to be a Muslim allegedly participating in non-Islamic religious rituals.

JAIS Director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad confirmed in a statement on Sunday, October 11, 2026, that the department is investigating the case under Sections 4 and 10 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995.

The statutory provisions cover acts of worship performed in violation of Islamic law as well as actions that bring the religion of Islam into disrepute.

Verification Challenges, Jurisdiction Checks, and Ministry Response

Enforcement officials are analyzing digital evidence to verify the authenticity and location of the video footage:

• Unverified Location & Digital Manipulation: Shahzihan stated that JAIS has not confirmed whether the incident occurred during the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves as alleged online, adding that authorities cannot rule out digital alterations, superimposition, or artificial intelligence (AI) tampering.
• Jurisdiction Scrutiny: Investigations are evaluating the exact geographic location and circumstances of the video to establish whether JAIS holds legal jurisdiction for further syariah enforcement action.
• Firm Commitment: JAIS emphasized that it treats issues affecting Muslim faith in Selangor with gravity, pledging to handle all complaints in a firm, accurate, timely, and fair manner.
• Federal Ministry Stance: The probe follows statements from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, who confirmed federal cooperation with enforcement bodies after video clips surfaced showing alleged acts of worship and incantations.

Authorities continue to urge the public to allow official investigations to proceed without circulating unverified or digitally modified media content.

–NMT