Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department and police detained 300 individuals, including 12 leaders and organisers, in a joint operation at Likas from May 30 to June 1. The detainees were connected to the Ahmadiyah Qadiani group, which the Sabah State Fatwa Council Committee declared deviant in 2007 and contrary to Islamic teachings [1, 2, 3].
The operation followed a public complaint on May 28 about a programme held from May 29 to 30 or 31 at a school hall in Likas. The programme was identified as the 32nd Jalsa Salana Sabah gathering, attended by senior leaders of Jemaah Ahmadiyah Muslim Malaysia and members from several Sabah districts [1, 2, 3].
Authorities seized 24 banners and buntings depicting the Ahmadiyah founder and leaders, approximately 200 books and reading materials related to the group’s teachings, along with programme documents, attendance lists, and publications [1, 2, 3]. The detainees were taken to Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters for documentation and investigation before being released on bail under applicable laws [1, 2, 3].
The case is being investigated under Sections 52(1), 52A, and 102 of the Sabah State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1995 [1, 2, 3]. Acting Kota Kinabalu Police Chief Supt Syed Lot Syed Abdul Rahman warned, "Strict action will be taken against any individuals or groups found to be deviating from Islamic teachings." He urged the public to seek religious guidance only from recognised and credible sources, and to consult religious authorities if they have doubts about any teachings or doctrines being propagated [1, 3].
