GAPS in the law governing online offences and the difficulty of tracing covert networks are limiting the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department’s (JAWI) efforts to curb the spread of teachings deemed deviant, particularly when activities move across locations or overseas.
JAWI said online platforms had made it harder to establish where such activities originated, while the absence of specific legal provisions covering offences committed online presented an additional challenge for enforcement.
Some groups operated discreetly and targeted selected individuals rather than the wider public, making early detection difficult, the department told Harian Metro today.
“The public only begins to become aware when the movement expands and spreads, as the number of followers and listeners increases and they are able to distinguish between truth and falsehood,” it said.
JAWI said some groups also moved from one location to another or attempted to settle overseas when they believed their activities had attracted the attention of the authorities, further complicating monitoring efforts.
Among the movements it identified as operating in the Federal Territories were Millah Abraham, the teachings of Muhammad Al-Qassim, The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (TAROPAL), GISB, SiHulk and the Ahmadiyya or Qadiani movement.
The department also monitored other issues involving religious beliefs and practices, including activities at Makam Pinang Tunggal along Jalan Klang Lama, activities involving foreign followers of Shia teachings, spiritual healing associated with eHati and Freemason-related activities involving a University of Malaya (UM) lecturer.
JAWI said it continued to monitor previously reported movements and urged the public to provide information about suspicious practices that could undermine the faith of Muslims, particularly in the Federal Territories.
It said new practices considered contrary to the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah would be monitored and referred to the Shariah Law Consultative Committee for a ruling on the validity of the teachings.
The department did not specify which particular legal provisions were lacking or detail the extent to which the gap restricted its enforcement powers.
Members of the public with relevant information can visit the JAWI Enforcement Division counter at Jalan Perdana to complete Form 5, email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or call 1-800-88-1771. - October 15, 2026