Sabah to probe alleged Quran desecration, obscene scribbles

 The state’s religious affairs committee chairman Arifin Arif described the act as outrageous and said it could hurt the feelings of Muslims.

Sabah’s religious affairs committee chairman Arifin Arif urged the public to remain calm and let the authorities investigate the matter. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Sabah government will launch an immediate investigation into a viral image showing the Quran being stepped on and defaced with obscene drawings, allegedly by an individual from the state.

Sabah’s religious affairs committee chairman Arifin Arif described the act as outrageous and said it could hurt the feelings of Muslims.

Noting that the act could provoke public unrest and potentially disrupt social harmony, he urged the public to remain calm and let the authorities investigate the matter.

“This behaviour is disrespectful, extreme, and attempts to sully the religion,” he said, reported Berita Harian.

“Strict action in accordance with the law must be taken against those involved.

“We cannot compromise on acts of disrespect towards the Quran, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

“The Quran is a sacred and noble scripture.”

Arifin urged the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Sabah Islamic religious council, and the Sabah Islamic religious affairs department to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action.

Last Tuesday, a Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah student pleaded not guilty to defiling a copy of the Quran by stepping on it.

S Vikneswaran also claimed trial to the improper use of network facilities by posting on social media a picture showing him stepping on the Quran.

The incident caused an uproar, with some netizens even posting his personal information online – a practice known as doxxing. - FMT