SEVEN members of a Muslim vigilante group have been charged in Sungai Petani, Kedah, for being part of an outlawed organisation.

Azhar Mohamad, the leader of the Badar Squad, and six of his followers were charged under Section 43 of the Societies Act 1966 at the Sungai Petani magistrate’s court today.

The offence provides for a jail term of not more than three years, or a maximum fine RM5,000, or both, if found guilty.

All seven claimed trial to the charges in front of magistrate Arif Mohammad Sharif.

Azhar is accused of leading an illegal organisation between September 26 to January 13. The offence was allegedly committed at the Badar Squad offices in Bandar Seri Astana, Sungai Petani.    

The six men accused of being part of the group are Muhammad Faris Na’im Ahmad Faizal, 21; Shahidan Zakaria, 48; Muhaamad Hasmadi Othman, 40; Johari Awang, 51; Shahrul Nizam Shahrin, 35; and Muhamad Farid Nazmi Ahmad Faizal, 25.

The group gained notoriety for raiding hotels in Sungai Petani looking for unwed Muslim couples, who are then taken to cemeteries for “counselling”.

Azhar had said the squad had nabbed “hundreds of couples”, and defended its actions against claims that it is illegal, saying its operations prevented vice among Muslims.

The squad is not registered with the Registrar of Societies and has been operating for the last two years. It said it informs religious authorities and police of its raids ahead of time.

Federal and state religious authorities do not sanction the group, and have chastised it and its activities. 

Last month, Azhar was picked up by Kedah police, who told The Malaysian Insight that he was being investigated under the Official Secrets Act and Societies Act.

It was learnt that police had taken action against the squad after a report by the Kedah Islamic Affairs Department.  

At the court today, all six were freed on a RM2,000 bond, while case mention has been set for March 11.

The prosecution was lead by Nordiyanasari Omar, while Mohd Amirul Ramli dan Muhammad Arif Shaharuddin represented the defendants. – February 25, 2019.