Malaysia

JAIS probes viral religious ritual footage, says AI manipulation not ruled out

The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) opens an investigation into videos allegedly showing a Muslim participating in non-Islamic religious rituals

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 11 Oct 2026 9:13AM

JAIS probes viral religious ritual footage, says AI manipulation not ruled out
The department says it has yet to verify claims that the incident occurred during Thaipusam at Batu Caves - October 11, 2026

THE Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) is investigating viral footage allegedly showing a Muslim engaging in non-Islamic religious rituals, while cautioning that the material may have been digitally manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

JAIS director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the investigation was being conducted under Sections 4 and 10 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, concerning acts of worship contrary to Islamic law and conduct that brings Islam into contempt.

“So far, JAIS has been unable to verify that the act was committed by the individual concerned during the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves, Selangor, as claimed in the viral posts.

“We also do not rule out the possibility that the posts involved superimposed editing or artificial intelligence (AI),” he said in a statement today.

Mohd Shahzihan said JAIS would examine the facts of the case, including the location of the alleged incident, in greater detail and as quickly as possible.

“This is to establish JAIS’s jurisdiction to take further action under the laws in force.

“Matters involving the Islamic faith of Muslims in Selangor are taken seriously, and every piece of information or complaint will be investigated professionally, firmly, promptly, accurately and fairly,” he said.

The statement follows a report that the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) was working with the relevant authorities over the circulation of videos allegedly showing a Muslim participating in non-Islamic religious rituals.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said his department was aware of the footage, which was also alleged to depict acts of worship and the use of certain mantras. - October 11, 2026

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