The Home Ministry is ready to cooperate with the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) to stop the activities of an Indonesian who claimed to be the last messiah.

Muhammad Zubir Amir Amir Abdullah claimed he was Imam Mahdi, the Messiah to come at the time of the Last Judgment to save the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the ministry was fully aware and respect that religion was a state matter, but if it was asked to take appropriate action against the man, it was ready to do so.

"I wish to state that deviant teachings among Muslims began to spread when there is liberalisation policy as desired by some NGOs (non-governmental organisations).

"To me, we should not be trying to compromise as matters of faith is something which must be held by Muslims.

"When a person claims that he is Imam Mahdi or someone like that, they are trying to deflect the faith of Muslims," he told reporters after launching the Immigration Day 2015 in Miri today.

Zahid, who is also home minister, expressed his concern that problems would arise if there was no immediate action taken against the man.

"In this regard, I hope the person will stop the activities and action will be taken by Jakim but the ministry will assist them in enforcement," he said.

On Thursday, the man claimed that he was made Imam Mahdi by his 11 followers at a ceremony in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on July 18.

- Bernama