Malaysian authorities continue efforts to monitor and curb the spread of Ahmadiyah, or Qadiani, teachings amid challenges posed by their activities.
The Selangor government, in collaboration with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), is conducting ongoing surveillance of related activities, particularly in areas like Kampung Nakhoda and Kampung Laksamana. This effort involves local officials, religious institutions, and law enforcement.
Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said mosques and surau are key in reporting any suspicious activity to JAIS. Public awareness programs also aim to differentiate Ahmadiyah teachings from the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
On Oct. 17, media reports highlighted a police raid on two premises in Gombak, one of which allegedly operated as a prayer center without authorization. The premises reportedly served as a gathering point for foreign nationals, primarily from Pakistan, hosting activities related to Ahmadiyah teachings. Six foreigners were detained under immigration laws for not possessing valid documentation.
Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, Director-General of the Immigration Department, clarified that the Oct. 17 operation involved two unauthorized premises used for religious activities, but not Masjid Kampung Nakhoda as initially reported. “The premises in question served as religious centers for foreign nationals without permission from the authorities. We also conducted checks at a local mosque to confirm any potential violations,” he said, adding that six detained foreigners remain under investigation to determine the validity of their documents and their duration of stay in Malaysia.
Amirudin confirmed that the state’s monitoring efforts have been ongoing for decades, but enforcement faces legal limitations, as Ahmadiyah followers are classified as non-Muslim in Selangor. “Once declared outside Islam, syariah laws cannot apply unless activities involve actions conflicting with Islamic law or public order,” he said.
JAIS, accompanied by local residents and mosques, continues to monitor the situation and relay concerns to authorities. Local residents raised complaints about disruptions caused by large-scale gatherings, including traffic congestion and unease over foreign visitors’ legal status.
Nationwide, monitoring also involves the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI). Officials stated that Ahmadiyah followers often relocate or act discreetly to avoid detection, especially through online platforms, complicating enforcement.
JAWI identified several key groups operating across Malaysia, including the Ahmadiyah, Millah Abraham, and others. Officials urged community members to report suspicious activities via hotline or email.
Efforts to address the spread of Ahmadiyah teachings include joint operations by the Immigration Department, local councils, police, and religious authorities that target unauthorized premises, monitor activities, and confiscate relevant materials. Authorities emphasized adhering to legal frameworks while safeguarding public order and national security.