BATU PAHAT: The deviant teachings of the Millah Abraham group are dangerous and a threat to national security, says Johor exco member Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid (pic).

The state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman said this was because it aspired to establish its own country and government, even with a "prime minister" in its hierarchy.

“This group, which is being closely monitored by the police, has... reached a stage (of wanting) to establish its own country and government.

“We do not want this group to gain a foothold and gather more members because any misunderstanding about religion and nationality could cause security issues," he told the media after the closing ceremony of a Student Civil Defence (Sispa) training programme here on Sunday (Aug 18).

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the event, held at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).

Fared, the Semerah assemblyman, said the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) and police were monitoring several individuals believed to be members of the group.

He urged members of Millah Abraham to leave the group immediately or face action, including arrest.

On Friday (Aug 16), it was reported that a man believed to be a senior leader of the deviant group had been detained in a special JAINJ operation.

The man, in his 40s, was arrested at his Batu Pahat house at 7.15pm on Wednesday (Aug 14) during the joint operation with the police to curb the group's spread.

The suspect, who claimed to be a "minister" in the group, was then brought to the Batu Pahat Syariah Lower Court on Thursday (Aug 15), where his trial date was set for Sept 24.

Earlier this month, 14 followers of the deviant group, aged 22 to 67, were arrested in a series of raids in Batu Pahat, Segamat, Muar and Pontian.

The suspects, 11 men and three women, have been charged under Sections 9 and 13(1)(b) of the Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment (Johor) 2003.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/18/deviant-group-out-to-set-up-its-own-country-and-govt-with-a-039pm039-says-johor-exco-man