The Home Ministry and Islamic religious institutions need to take firm action and be proactive in checking attempts to proselytise Muslims, said Ibrahim Ali (Independent-Pasir Mas) in Parliament today.

Referring to the Selangor sultan's statement on the issue yesterday, he said it was clear that there were attempts by certain groups to turn some Muslims in this country into apostates.

"While we practise religious freedom, it is wrong for any quarters to try proselytise Muslims," he said when debating on the Supply Bill 2012.

NONE Sultan Sharafuddin said yesterday that he found attempts by a group to proselytise Muslims during a check conducted by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) on Aug 3 at a premises in Petaling Jaya belonging to the Damansara Utama Methodist Church, after studying the Jais report.

Ibrahim ( left ) also claimed to have proof of attempts to proselytise Muslims in Johor based on a letter received from the Johor Islamic Religious Council.

Therefore, he said, the Home Ministry, states' religious authorities and the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should work together to tackle the problem as religious issues could threaten peace in the country.

Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) when also debating on the Supply Bill, called on the relevant ministry to collect data and keep records on Muslims eligible for aid from the zakat institutions.

"If the billions in zakat can be channelled to those who really qualify, then the needy will not have to beg from others who will then try to proselytise them," he said.

The "asnaf" groups or those who qualify to receive zakat include the destitutes, the poor, converts and those who defend and propagate Islam.

Mohamed said ways must also be found to strengthen the administration of zakat for it to serve the Muslim community more effectively.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.

- Bernama