Syariah Court rules Teoh not Muslim at time of death

GEORGE TOWN: The Syariah High Court here has ruled that alleged convert Teoh Cheng Cheng was not a Muslim at the time of her death.

Syariah High Court Justice Zaim Md Yudin, in his judgement on Thursday, ordered the parties currently holding Teoh’s body to release it to her family and, for the police to assist in the matter.

He also allowed Teoh’s family to claim her body and to perform funeral rites in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Teoh, a 38-year-old mother of four, died at her apartment in Macallum Street on Saturday.

On Monday, Teoh’s funeral was interrupted when Penang Islamic Religious Department (JAIPP) officers appeared at an apartment in Macallum Street to “claim” the remains of the deceased.

The deceased is alleged to have converted to Islam 17 years ago, having adopted the Muslim name Nora Teoh Abdullah.