Allow Religious Authorities To Investigate Cemetery Silat Incident, Says Mohd Na’im

KOTA TINGGI, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Muslims have been urged to give space to religious enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the viral incident involving a man practising silat at a cemetery.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar also advised the public against making any speculation until the actual facts are established.

According to him, Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid has instructed the Kluang Kadi Office to investigate the viral video, to ensure that there were no actions which violated proper etiquette in a cemetery.

“First, I would like to thank the state religious exco for taking early and swift action, by directing the Kluang District Religious Office to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

“Let us not speculate, because if the investigation finds that the individual is suffering from a mental disorder, then he should be referred for treatment and given support to improve his condition. After all, he is also a member of our community,” he said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Hijrah Carnival 2025, at the Kampung Felda Air Tawar 2 Community Hall, here, today.

He also stressed that performing silat or engaging in any inappropriate behaviour within a cemetery compound is not acceptable in Islam.

“Visiting graves is a Sunnah, meant to remind us of those who have passed on, and any act carried out in a cemetery must be done respectfully, with consideration for the next-of-kin and in accordance with the boundaries of the faith.

“Muslims who are unsure about the ruling on any act should seek guidance from knowledgeable and authoritative bodies, such as the Johor Mufti Department, to ensure their actions do not contravene Islamic teachings,” he said.

Yesterday, the media reported that the state government had instructed the Kluang Kadi Office to investigate a viral video, showing a man performing movements resembling silat at a Muslim cemetery, to determine whether any elements violated proper etiquette within a burial ground.

A 28-second video recorded by a road user showing a man wearing a jacket and helmet standing in the cemetery and performing several hand and foot movements has been circulating on social media.

-- BERNAMA