Non-Muslims who propagate their religious teachings to Muslims can be charged in the civil court under the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Enactment.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said provisions in the enactment included offences for persuading, coaxing and instigating Muslims to change their religious faith.

Besides publishing publications on other religions other than Islam, it is also an offence to expose non-adult Muslims to other religions, he said when debating the Supply Bill 2012 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Many people were not aware of the law which had been enforced since 1980, he said, adding that among states which enforced the law were Terengganu, Kelantan, Selangor, Malacca, Kedah, Pahang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis.

He said the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) would continue to collaborate with all state Islamic religious councils in an effort to strengthen the religious faith of Muslims.

He said efforts were also made by the government to standardise Islamic law in all states.

"Although the issue on Islamic religious matters come under the purview of the respective states, there is a need for cooperation to safeguard the dignity and sanctity of Islam," he added.

On the Shiite sect, he said, the followers were free to practice the teachings, but there were prohibited from spreading the teachings to those who practised the teachings of the Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

The activities of the Shiite are being monitored by Jakim, the Islamic religious council and the police, he added.

- Bernama

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