BATU PAHAT: Three men pleaded guilty in the Syariah Court here on Saturday (Aug 30) to charges related to their involvement in a worship ceremony featured in the viral "Show Puja Jin Batu Pahat" video, which included a kuda kepang dance.
Muhammad Suhail Suttrysono, 35; Azman Mohamed Seh, 45; and Anuar Bandi, 40; admitted guilt after the charge was read out before Syariah Judge Syazwan Mohd Yusof.
According to the charge sheet, Muhammad Suhail, a security guard, and Azman, a mechanic, were accused of performing a worship ceremony under Section 3 of the Johor State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997, which carries a maximum penalty of a RM3,000 fine, up to two years' imprisonment, or both.
Anuar was charged with abetting the ceremony by serving as a gendang (drum) player, under Section 43(b) of the same enactment, which provides for a punishment equivalent to that of the main offence.
All three were charged with committing the offence between 10pm and 1am in an open area at a house on Jalan Pasar, Parit Raja, on Aug 10.
Johor Chief Syariah Prosecutor Ahmad Wafi Abdullah appeared for the prosecution, while the accused were unrepresented.
In his submission, Ahmad Wafi called for a deterrent sentence, arguing that the act involved a matter of akidah, or faith, which cannot be compromised by Muslims, unlike a moral offence like khalwat (close proximity).
He stated that Muhammad Suhail, who had been directly involved in the ceremony since the age of 14, continued the practice despite having basic religious education and being advised multiple times about the fatwa to cease the activity.
The court granted the three accused bail of RM2,000 each, with two sureties from family members residing in Batu Pahat.
The case is set for mention on Sept 2 for sentencing. – Bernama
