Anti-vice Badar squad chief arrested

Kalidevi Mogan Kumarappa Kalidevi Mogan Kumarappa Updated 7 years ago · Published on 14 Jan 2019 12:40PM · 10 Comments

Badar squad leader Azhar Mohamad was arrested in Sg Petani last night after a Kedah religious officer lodged a police report against the vigilante group. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, January 14, 2019.

THE founder of anti-vice vigilante group Badar squad, Azhar Mohamad, has been arrested and is under remand for investigations under the Official Secrets Act and the Societies Act, Kedah police said.

Azhar was arrested around 9pm yesterday at the squad’s office in Sg Petani, Kedah, Kuala Musa police chief Adzli Abu Shah told The Malaysian Insight.

“I can only confirm the arrest. The Kedah police chief will be holding a press conference about this later,” Adzli said.

The Malaysian Insight understands, however, that Azhar’s arrest was based on a police report lodged by a senior official of the Kedah State Islamic Religious Council (JHEAIK) in Sg Petani yesterday.

The group, which conducts raids to nab Muslim couples committing khalwat (close proximity), is not registered with the Registrar of Societies.

When The Malaysian Insight first reported on its activities two months ago, the authorities said it was acting illegally, while the members said they carry out their raids with verbal consent from the police and religious authorities after informing them before a raid.

The investigation into Azhar was under the OSA because he had posted internal police information on his Facebook page.

The squad has, for the last two years, carried out raids on budget hotels in Sg Petani. Those caught committing khalwat are taken to a cemetery, where they receive counselling.

Azhar previously said the squad has nabbed “hundreds of couples”.

The squad has been criticised for being “excessive” with its methods by Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa said they had taken the law into their own hands in the name of Islam.

Azhar insisted that Badar squad members have not done wrong by the religion, saying their aim is to ensure Muslim youth do not commit khalwat. – January 14, 2019.

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Comments

  • Good job, PDRM. We dont need moral police or vigilante group in this country.

    Posted 7 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • high time to shut down this taliban group...

    Posted 7 years ago by The Lone Ranger ... · Reply

  • Better late than never!!! But why did not PDRM reacted months ago when they arrogantly rebuke and even show disdain to authorities. Buck up PDRM. Rakyat is watching.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Appears that he was only arrested for posting internal police information..not for activities by conducted by the squad.
    That matter is separate altogether... for which there seems to be inaction by the state government..

    Posted 7 years ago by Kampung Boy · Reply

    • Spot on and what needs to be asked is how could he obtain police information if not from the police themselves . It appears there is a mole in the police force ?

      Posted 7 years ago by John Fam · Reply

  • Religious policing has to stop. Respect others' right to privacy and choice within the confines of the law. We are a secular country.

    Posted 7 years ago by C D · Reply

  • Since when the fear of God has transcended to fear of human.. lol

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Just another thug & bully posing as a religionist.

    Posted 7 years ago by Antares Maitreya · Reply

  • Should have Arrested this thug a long time ago but soon it will be back again.

    Posted 7 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply

  • Can we send him to Syria or Afgan to do the job? I think over there also have similar "vice activities".

    Posted 7 years ago by Anjing kawan Kucing Comel · Reply