QuickCheck: Was a viral video of the azan at a religious ritual recorded in Malaysia?

RECENTLY, a two-and-a-half-minute video showing a man performing the azan (Islamic call to prayer) in a religious ritual went viral online. Did this happen in Malaysia as claimed?

Verdict:

FALSE

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has confirmed that the viral video is not from Malaysia.

It said that checks conducted found that the video originated abroad and had been re-transmitted as if it took place in Malaysia.

"The MCMC stresses that such videos are seen as threatening content, and can create uneasiness between communities of various races and religions in this country,” it said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 15).

It urged the public not to share the clip, as it may portray an inaccurate context and could be used by irresponsible individuals or parties to provoke interfaith communities in Malaysia.

The MCMC also asked the public not to add captions that are speculative and provocative but to channel or report them to the authorities for further action.

"The public is also reminded to always be vigilant, and avoid uploading any content which may touch religious sensitivities for the sake of harmony in the country," said the MCMC.