Dogs sit on a stroller during the 'I want to touch a dog' event at a park in Petaling Jaya on October 19, 2014. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, October 20, 2014.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will conduct a thorough investigation on the organising of the "I want to touch a dog" event that took place at Central Park, One Utama near Petaling Jaya yesterday.
Jakim director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said in a Bernama report that the programme should not have taken place, adding that Jakim regretted the irresponsible attitude of the organisers who were not concerned about the sensitivities of Muslims in the country.
"This event has never been held previously and is the first time being exposed to the community. We are Muslims and our religion has stated clearly the penalty regarding dogs.
"Jakim will investigate the matter immediately and any action will be referred to the existing provisions," he told reporters last night.
He was commenting on the organising of the programme that received overwhelming response from Muslims in and around the federal capital yesterday.
Syed Azmi Alhabshi, a pharmacist in his 30s, had organised the event to help people overcome their fear of dogs and learn compassion for all animals.
The Kuala Lumpur native also said he wanted to help people overcome certain misconceptions and sensitivities surrounding dogs.
The Malaysian Insider on Saturday reported that Syed had obtained permission from the police and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) to hold the event.
"Cruelty towards animals like dogs is not a Muslim issue. It is a Malaysian issue," Syed had said.
Over 1,000 people had attended yesterday’s event which saw Muslims and non-Muslims alike interacting with dogs of various breeds.
Syed said he was satisfied with the turnout as he had only expected 60 people to show up.
- TMI
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