The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) today clarified that it had not received any reports of Christian and Buddhist missionary groups 'influencing' Muslim hospital patients.

In a statement, it's public relations officer Fakrul Azam Yahya also explained that Jais did not start the 'Rakan Masjid' programme to counter these groups.

Attributing it to a 'misunderstanding' on the issue, he said the department always respected other religions.

"To preserve the good name of the department and the state government as a whole, Jais hopes that all quarters will 'understand the misunderstanding'," he added.

Yesterday, Fakrul told malaysiakini that Christian and Buddhist groups were hiding behind the veil of social service to spread their teachings in hospitals around the state.

He said Jais viewed this matter seriously but was unable pursue legal action against these groups as they carried out their work in a clandestine manner.

'Blatant lie'

Responding to this, the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (Cassa) dismissed the allegation as a 'blatant lie' and challenged Jais to prove the matter within the next 24 hours.

Failing which, its president Dr Jacob George said Jais must make a public apology or Cassa would lodge a police report and submit memorandums to the prime minister, his deputy and other leaders.

"It is time that decency, self respect and honor of minority groups doing selfless and social service to the sick and suffering and the unfortunate be not tainted for certain perverse political and religious agenda of a minority," he added in a statement.