01-05-2025
Preacher under investigation over claims of praying with 'orang bunian'
ALOR STAR: Kedah religious authorities have launched a probe into a prominent preacher following the circulation of a video claiming that a religious figure performed Friday prayers with supernatural beings known by the Malays as bunian.
Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK) director Datuk Abd Ghani Zainudin said the preacher would be called in to provide clarification on the matter.
"We are aware of the video's circulation and the claim that the preacher spoke about a religious figure performing Friday prayers with bunian, allegedly during his lifetime.
"JHEAIK is currently reviewing the video and will summon the individual involved to obtain further explanation before taking appropriate action," he said when contacted today.
He said JHEAIK is also working closely with the state Mufti Department to determine the proper course of action to address the issue.
"We advise all religious speakers to exercise caution and refrain from making statements that could mislead the public, particularly the Muslim community.
"The public is also urged not to be overly zealous and to verify the authenticity of such claims with recognised religious authorities.
"We hope everyone remains calm and allows the relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, rather than making premature statements that may cause public unease on social media," he added.
The controversy surfaced after a 1-minute-31-second video recently went viral on social media.
The clip showed the preacher at an event, accompanied by a caption that read: "The story of Paksu Mid performing Friday prayers with Bunian in the middle of the sea" (Paksu Mid Solat Jumaat Bersama Bunian di Tengah Laut).
