ISKANDAR PUTERI: There was never an attempt by the state government to be prejudiced against businesses run by any religious organisations, says Johor Islamic affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.
He said that actions taken against GISH Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) were based on findings from investigations conducted by the police and Johor Mufti Department.
“There are those who question our actions, asking why there is a need to interfere with the business and that we should be focusing on correcting their akidah (faith) instead.
“However, investigations found that the group has been using their businesses to spread deviant teachings. There have also been instances of child neglect and children being used as cheap labour.
“There were also abuses against children and women. Islam has never taught us to mistreat women, and there were also sexual harassment cases that were being investigated by the police.
“These are all very serious issues. We need to take action, including stopping the businesses,” he said during the state assembly sitting here.
Mohd Fared said this in response to a question from Datuk Jefridin Atan (BN-Kukup) about efforts made by the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) to address issues of deviant teachings.
Mohd Fared also pointed out that Johor had already issued a fatwa against Al-Arqam teachings, which is associated with GISB.
“This has been very clear. The teachings have been deemed deviant, and a fatwa has been issued,” he said.
He added that a guideline for the establishment of a committee to combat deviant teachings had also been drafted and submitted to the Johor Islamic Religious Council during a meeting in August.
He said that the committee is tasked with identifying issues related to deviant teachings in the state and proposing immediate actions to be taken by the authorities.
