Deputy inspector-general of police Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin said the police always monitor the activities of the Al-Arqam group to ensure they do not disrupt national security.

“We will give full cooperation to enforcement agencies responsible for handling the deviant teachings group, including those in the states,” he told Bernama via short messaging service (SMS) in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was commenting on a newspaper report today that members of Al-Arqam group, banned since 1994, are still active in the country.

The group held a ‘spirits parliament’ in Jitra, Kedah from June 2-4 attended by Hatijah Aam, widow of Ashaari Muhammad, to explain the arrest of followers of Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB).

On May 13, Hatijah was arrested along with nine followers at KL International Airport (KLIA) on her return from Saudi Arabia.

She would be prosecuted by Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) in November for trying to revive Al-Arqam teachings.

Hatijah could be charged under Section 12 (C) of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 for insulting the religious authorities.

Meanwhile, Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Othman Mustapha said it is cooperating with state islamic religious departments to gather information on the activities of Al-Arqam.

“Cooperation is also held with law enforcement agencies such as the police to monitor their activities.”

Othman said Al-Arqam, via GISB, opened restaurants and retail shops  overseas, including in Saudi Arabia to show members that the group is still active.

“The business activities did not generate much profit. They also performed concerts and pantomime filled with the ideals and beliefs of the group.”

He said to convince the members of the group’s ‘true teachings’, Hatijah also opened several business outlets in Mecca and Medina.

The group also distributed brochures in hotels frequented by Malaysian  pilgrims in Mecca to promote their chalets, date farms and food catering business.

- Bernama