THE raid conducted by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) on a Shia headquarters in Gombak last night was in according to standard operating procedures (SOP), said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

He said the Selangor government has banned Shia teachings as decided by the Selangor Fatwa Committee in 2013.

“We have repeatedly made it clear in Friday sermons on the ban on Shia belief,” he told reporters after opening the Selangor Agrofest 2019 at the Bazarena site in Section 13 today.

Meanwhile, Jais deputy director (Management) Azlinda Azman said in a statement that Shia Malaysia chairman Kamil Zuhairi Abdul Azizi was among 22 individuals arrested by Jais in a raid on Shia group Hauzah ar-Ridha’s headquarters in Taman Sri Gombak.

She said the 9.55pm raid was conducted following complaints from the public.

“Some items were also seized during the raid, including banners, Karbala stones, picture frames and Shia-related books.

“Kamil Zuhairi and the 21 followers were later taken to the Gombak District Islamic Religious Office for further investigation,” she said.

Azlinda said the arrests were made under Section 12 (C) of the Selangor Shariah Criminal Enactment 1995.

She added that Jais will continue to monitor the activities of the followers and will not hesitate to take firm action against them.

“Jais wishes to seek help from the public to inform us if they have any information on any shariah criminal activities,” she said. – Bernama, September 7, 2019.