Latest news with #KedahIslamicReligiousAffairsDepartment
Sinar Daily
11-07-2025
- Sinar Daily
Sungai Korok tragedy: JHEAIK steps up surveillance at burial site to prevent un-Islamic practices
This decision comes in response to concerns raised by local residents regarding unusual and suspicious activities observed at the cemetery. Members of the At-Taqwa Mosque committee and residents of Kampung Bohor Karang visited the graves of the six family members on Thursday. ALOR SETAR – The Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK) has taken proactive steps to monitor the gravesite of six family members who tragically lost their lives in the recent Sungai Korok incident. The move aims to prevent any superstitious or un-Islamic practices at the burial site. This decision comes in response to concerns raised by local residents regarding unusual and suspicious activities observed at the cemetery. Its director, Datuk Abd Ghani Zainudin, confirmed that officers have been assigned to carry out ongoing surveillance at the Kampung Bohor Karang Muslim Cemetery in Jerlun. 'We have not placed any ropes or physical barriers around the burial site, but monitoring is ongoing from time to time. 'Action will be taken if there is clear evidence of practices that go against Islamic principles,' he said when contacted on Thursday. He also urged the public to refrain from engaging in superstitious or irrational activities, and called on local mosques to play an active role in preventing any acts that contradict Islamic beliefs at the cemetery. Meanwhile, the At-Taqwa Mosque secretary Mhd Shukri Hassan, confirmed that they have received instructions from JHEAIK to monitor the site and have also appealed to the local community to assist in the effort. He emphasised that the initiative aims to prevent a repeat of incidents such as the alleged act of someone collecting grave soil from the grave of the late Nurly Sahirah Azman, a student from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) who died in an accident in Gerik. 'The mosque does not prohibit the public from visiting the graves, but we stress that no acts of shirk (idolatry) or un-Islamic rituals should be carried out. 'There's no issue with visiting graves, but don't do things that go against the faith. Taking grave soil or performing extreme rituals is not acceptable. We will report such activities to the authorities,' he said. The late Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak's brother, Mohamad Adlan Solehin, 24, also expressed the family's hope that the public would respect the sanctity of the burial site. He added that the family understands that many are visiting out of sympathy and to offer prayers for the deceased. 'There's no problem with visiting the graves. But please don't do anything inappropriate. As the family, we feel uncomfortable when unusual or strange things happen at the gravesite,' he said. Previously, it was reported that a couple, Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak, 32, and Nurul Hidayah Khadijah Razman Efendi, 31 along with their four children, Putra Rayyan, 9; Hawa Adriana, 8; Annayla Humaira, 7 and their six-month-old baby boy, Tuah Haydar, tragically died when their car skidded into Sungai Korok in the early hours of last Saturday. Previously, it was reported that a couple, Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak, 32, and Nurul Hidayah Khadijah Razman Efendi, 31 along with their four children, Putra Rayyan, 9; Hawa Adriana, 8; Annayla Humaira, 7 and their six-month-old baby boy, Tuah Haydar, tragically died when their car skidded into Sungai Korok in the early hours of last Saturday. Photo by Bernama All six were buried together in a single grave at the Kampung Bohor Karang Muslim Cemetery in Jerlun on Monday.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- The Sun
JHEAIK to monitor graves of six family members in Sungai Korok
JERLUN: The Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK) will closely monitor the graves of six family members who died in the Sungai Korok tragedy last Saturday to prevent any activities contrary to Islamic teachings. JHEAIK director Datuk Dr Abd Ghani Zainuddin stated that while no such activities have been detected so far, precautionary measures are being taken. 'The Kubang Pasu district religious office received a complaint about possible suspicious activities at the cemetery,' he said. He confirmed that personnel have been deployed for monitoring, though barrier ropes are not yet necessary. 'Monitoring will continue, and action will be taken if any violations occur,' he added. The public has been reminded to avoid superstitious practices that conflict with Islamic teachings. Meanwhile, At-Taqwa Mosque secretary Mhd Shukri Hassan noted an increase in visitors stopping to recite prayers at the graves. 'People have been seen praying near the graves, which are located next to the village road,' he said. The mosque committee is also keeping watch and will report any suspicious activities to authorities. The tragedy claimed the lives of Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak, 32, his wife Nurul Hidayah Khadijah Razman Efendi, 31, and their four children after their car reportedly skidded into Sungai Korok. – Bernama
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Preacher quizzed over Bunian claim, report to be sent to mufti
ALOR STAR: Kedah religious authorities have questioned a controversial preacher who claimed that a well-known religious figure had performed Friday prayers with supernatural beings, known in Malay folklore as bunian. Datuk Abd Ghani Zainudin, director of the Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK), said the department will submit its investigation report to the Kedah Mufti Department for further action. Abd Ghani said that the preacher had made the statement during an event held on Nov 11, 2023. The preacher was hauled up for questioning on Sunday at the department's office, he said. Abd Ghani said: "His statement was recorded and the investigation report has been completed." The saga began after a 1-minute-31-second video went viral, showing the preacher claiming that the late Tuan Guru Sheikh Abdul Hamid Ismail had performed Friday prayers in the company of bunian This is not the first time the preacher has courted controversy. Last year, he was reminded by JHEAIK to refrain from behaviour that could mislead the public, following the circulation of a video showing students excessively praising him at an event where Arabic verses were recited in his admiration. Meanwhile, Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin urged the religious authorities to act decisively, describing the preacher's remarks as deeply troubling. "This is the second time the same individual has been embroiled in a controversy touching on Islamic creed (akidah) and religious sensibility. Such incidents tarnish the sanctity of Islam and create unrest within the community," he said in a statement today. Shaiful also urged JHEAIK to strengthen its checks and monitoring of all accredited religious speakers in the state.
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- New Straits Times
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).
