PARLIAMENT Enforcement authorities detained 16 people and carried out 120 inspections in connection with those identified as linked to the dissemination of Shiite teachings in the country.

NONE Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said based on reports from state religious departments, 139 more cases were being monitored.

He said the government acted professionally when taking action against those spreading the teaching and would only act against and charge them in court after gathering ample evidence.

He said there were an estimated 1,500 Shiite followers, according to police information, and the number did not include tourists, foreign students or foreign nationals on temporary stay here.

Jamil Khir was replying to a question from Zainuddin Ismail (BN-Jelebu) who wanted to know about those involved with the Shiite sect and the action which had been taken against them.

In curbing the teachings at the early stage, the Islamic Affairs Development Department (Jakim) cooperated closely with agencies and Jain to get information on individuals and the Shiite movement at institutions of higher learning (IPT) and schools.

"The information will be passed on to the school authorities and IPT to enable them to take action under the respective regulations," said Jamil Khir, adding that briefing programmes on the Shiite sect would be conducted in IPT and schools.

Jamil Khir said all states had gazetted a ban on the Shiite sect, except for Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah which had their own provisions to curtail the movement.

- Bernama

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