KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said serious and coordinated action between the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and enforcement agencies is important to combat all forms of deviant teachings and ideologies.
The Prime Minister said this in a post on his Facebook page after he held a meeting with Jakim to discuss several matters related to Islamic affairs in Malaysia.
In the posting, Anwar also reaffirmed the unity government's commitment to eradicate all forms of deviant teachings that affect the faith and religious practices of Muslims in the country.
"The meeting was held to discuss recent developments, especially those related to the (country's) economic prospects in the halal sector both domestically and internationally, which require collaboration among federal agencies to further invigorate Malaysia's halal industry.
"The meeting also addressed issues concerning ideologies and several movements that deviate from the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah, thus necessitating serious and integrated action by Jakim and enforcement agencies to investigate and combat all forms of deviant ideologies at their roots.
"(During the meeting) I stressed that the Madani government takes such matters seriously, especially those that pertain to the faith and religious practices of Muslims in the country," Anwar said.
On Sept 5, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said Jakim mulled the possibility of making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.
However, he said, to enforce mandatory halal certification, several Acts and laws would need to be amended, with various agencies involved in ensuring compliance.
The proposal has received several criticisms leading it to the government to maintain its current standing of voluntary registration.
Meanwhile, on Sept 11, police in Op Global raided welfare homes allegedly operated by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) which led to 402 children being rescued.
Subsequent screenings of the children revealed many of them suffered physical and emotional injuries.
Subsequent police probes also found that the members of GISB were still practising the banned "Aurad Muhammadiya" linked to the banned Al-Arqam community.