GEORGE TOWN: State religious authorities are closely monitoring Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB).
State Mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman said GISB-related cases were inactive in the state.
"Nevertheless, we continue to monitor them closely," he said when asked if the state Fatwa Committee had declared GISB's beliefs and teachings deviant and un-Islamic.
Earlier today, the Perlis Fatwa Committee declared GISB's beliefs and teachings deviant and un-Islamic, making Perlis the first state to issue such a declaration.
Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said the fatwa was based on compelling evidence, citing "batiniah" (esoteric) elements in the organisation's teachings, which were a continuation of the deviant al-Arqam group.
However, Mohd Sukki said, no similar fatwa had been issued in Penang.
"We are still following the progress. The issue has now become a national issue.
"At the state level, we will continuously ensure that no deviant and un-Islamic teachings are allowed here."