MELAKA - The Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) detained a man who is believed to be a member of a deviant group led by Suhaini Mohammad, known for claiming that Prophet Muhammad is Allah.
Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Exco Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the 38-year-old man was arrested in a home in Jasin district at 8.30pm on Sunday.
He said the man's wife and three children were present and the individual admitted to making preparations to depart to New Zealand on Tuesday along with the founder of the group.
Rahmad said early investigations found the individual from Jasin was quitting his job and wanted to leave the country and work in New Zealand to remain with Suhaini Mohammad or known as ‘the hulk’.
"The investigation found the suspect wanted to stay together with the founder and group members in New Zealand.
"Further investigation and information revealed there are more individuals from the country who would have migrated there,” he said.
He said this when met at Bukit Katil in Ayer Keroh here.
Pamphlets were also confisticated. Rahmad said the group was suspected of moving from one place to another to spread teachings against Islam.
He added Jaim has opened investigation papers after a viral video on social media two Malay men in Melaka insulting the Prophet on March 20.
He said investigations found the misguided teachings began a year ago and had 10 to 20 followers.
During the Melaka Fatwa Committee meeting on May 30, a decision was reached stating that the beliefs and teachings promoted by the group were not according to the principles of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
"The state government urges the group to immediately stop following this misguided teaching and refer to Jaim to clear their confusion,” he said.
Muslims in the state found to be involved in spreading misguided teachings will face appropriate actions under the Melaka State Sharia Offences Enactment 1991.