Naked dancing, ‘holy baths’: Malaysian police investigate Muslim family motivational event

A bikini-clad female speaker stripped naked and danced, urging participants to join her, a social media user has alleged

Malaysian police are investigating a complaint about deviant activities such as naked dancing and “holy cleansing baths” being performed during a family motivational event.

Police said the report was filed at the end of February over an incident that was held at a convention centre in Shah Alam, a predominantly Malay-Muslim enclave about 30km (19 miles) from the capital of Kuala Lumpur, last September.

“We have called in the wife of the complainant as well as other participants of the event for statement taking,” Shah Alam police chief Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said, as quoted by The Star newspaper on Saturday.

“There are several matters we must confirm first before any decision is made if follow-up action is to be taken by the police or the state religious department.”

The police confirmation comes after Malaysia’s Islamic development department (Jakim) and Selangor religious authorities (Jais) said on Friday that they were looking into the event, aimed at Malay-Muslims, which allegedly involved idolatry and immoral rituals.

“The Madani government, through Jakim and the state religious authorities, is firmly committed to addressing issues that impact the Muslim community, especially those affecting family values, moral conduct and the preservation of Islamic principles,” Jakim Director-General Sirajuddin Suhaimee said in a statement, as reported by news portal Free Malaysia Today.

The September 27 to 30 event, which was attended by about 50 women, gained public attention after a social-media user alleged that deviant activities took place on the final day.

According to the allegations, a female speaker entered wearing only a bikini, then started to strip naked and dance with members of her group. Participants were given a mysterious drink and urged to strip off and follow suit.

They were also reportedly instructed to take part in “holy cleansing baths” and “rebirth” rituals.

Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari has called for a thorough investigation and tough penalties to be imposed if the allegations are proven true.

“The report has just been received; I have asked Jais to investigate and take strict action because it was organised privately in the hall, not related to the state government,” he said on Saturday, according to the New Straits Times newspaper.

Asked whether the convention centre’s management would be summoned, Amirudin said he would let the authorities decide on the next course of action. “I am concerned about the allegations. We must ensure a thorough investigation is carried out and those responsible held to account,” he added.

Supernatural and immoral practices are frowned upon in Malaysia, where about 63 per cent of the population is Muslim.

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