ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government has denied any unfair treatment of Islamic organisations in the state, stating that actions are taken only when there is evidence of deviation from the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah doctrine.
State Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the Johor Islamic Religious Department acted against Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) based on verified evidence following investigations by police and the state mufti department.
"Investigations revealed that GISB used its businesses to propagate deviant teachings," he said.
"The state also uncovered cases of neglect involving women and children, including forced labour involving teenagers, children and even infants.
"Islam does not condone mistreatment of women, let alone sexual harassment, which was found during police investigations."
Fared was responding to a supplementary question during the State Legislative Assembly sitting from Datuk Jefridin Atan (BN-Kukup) on the department's efforts to address deviant teachings and exploitation in the state.
He added that on Aug 23, the Johor Islamic Religious Council approved guidelines to establish a committee to combat deviant teachings.
The committee's role is to identify emerging issues and propose immediate action, including faith rehabilitation, enforcement of syariah laws and federal-level legal measures, he said.
He added that the state also reiterated the requirement for religious teachers to obtain proper accreditation before teaching in Johor.
"Even renowned religious figures must comply with this rule. Some who applied for accreditation refuse to attend interviews, claiming their fame exempts them. Regardless of your status, the law applies to everyone."