The internal security ministry is finalising moves to take action against self-styled spiritual leader Ayah Pin and his group of followers who are based in Besut, Terengganu.

Minister in Prime Minister's Department Abdullah Mohd Zin said today that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) views the group as a threat to the social demographics of Muslim society.

Abdullah, who heads Jakim, said this was comparable to the threat to national security previously posed by such militant groups as Al-Ma'unah and Al-Arqam.

Action will be taken against Ayah Pin as soon as the Internal Security Ministry finalises its decision, he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Ayah Pin, whose real name is Ariffin Mohammed, had previously claimed to be the reincarnation of holy figures in the world's major religions.

His followers have claimed that he commands a following of 5,000 to 10,000 Malays, with 30,000 more from the other ethnic groups.

'Teachings dangerous'

Abdullah, the member of Parliament for Besut, had earlier replied to questions in the House on the extent of the threat posed by deviant religous sects in the country.

He told reporters that, although Ayah Pin's group is not among the 'militant' groups, it is still dangerous on account of the increasing number of followers who have sought to leave the jurisdiction of the Syariah court.

"The teachings of Ayah Pin are dangerous because (some) followers have declared themselves to have come out of Islam, even though the government has not recognised them as having done so.

"This is just a quick and easy way out (for them). When they are out of Islam, the Syariah court's administrative enactments have no power to prosecute them."

Asked what form of action would be taken, Abdullah said he did not discount the use of the Internal Security Act but that the Internal Security Ministry would make the final decision.

"They (the ministry) have been informed and ... we have given our views. It will be up to the ministry to take action."

Abdullah further said the situation pertaining to deviant religous sects was not critical despite the existence of some 70 groups that Jakim has categorised as 'deviant'.

Shi'ite Islam remains on the list of prohibited teachings as this would be a cause of divisions within the Muslim community if the teachings spread, said Abdullah.

Citing a fatwa (religious proclamation), Abdullah said Shi'ite Islam's differences with the teachings and practices of Sunni Islam would pose a threat to the unity of Muslims in Malaysia.

"If they want to spread their teachings in the United States, that's up to them. Here we don't allow (this) because it would lead to chaos, different understanding, as well as differences in practice."

Abdullah used the example of Shi'ite recognition of mut'a (temporary) marriages as being valid. If this were practiced among Malaysian Muslims, it could lead to contention among followers the Sunni sect.