Two Hindu and Muslim NGOs have jointly refuted reports that more than 7,000 Hindus have been forcibly converted to Islam, and explained that they were cases of wrong documentation instead.

In their maiden meeting in Petaling Jaya today, the Hindu Conversion Action Team (Hicoat) and Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM) have discussed and cleared up any misconceptions related to this matter.

"Let me clear the issue of the 7,000 Hindus. They are having problems with documentations and this is purely a correctional exercise, rather than a conversion exercise," Hicoat president Arun Doraisamy said in the press conference held after the meeting.

He explained that the matter was misconstrued by some in the media, after a press conference was held last month by Hicoat that the 7,000 Hindus had been forced to convert to Islam.

Instead, the 7,000 Hindus had merely been wrongfully documented as being Muslims, he said, adding that the number was a conservative estimate.

Once they realised they had been misconstrued and after PPMM had reacted to the issue, Doraisamy said they immediately contacted the lawyers association to clarify what they meant and to set up a meeting.

PPMM president Zainol Rijal Abu Bakar ( photo ) said that after their meeting with Hicoat, they are happy to help with solving the issue of wrong documentation for the 7,000 Hindus.

"Islam does not condone forcing somebody to become a Muslim. Based on this belief, we offer our assistance to correct those who have been falsely categorised as a Muslim," Zainol said.

As such, the two NGOs have agreed to form a technical committee jointly headed by them to solve the issues of wrong documentation, on a case-by-case basis, as well as a more long-term solution so that it does not continue to happen.

The committee will have members from both Hicoat and PPMM, with the lawyers providing technical assistance with the cases.

"We are very happy we'll be working with PPMM on a case-by-case basis, and in some cases working closely to have preventive and awareness measures," Doraisamy said.

They said they have also briefed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of religious issues Nancy Shukri on this issue, and she has agreed that this issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Doraisamy said the Prime Minister's Department will also be kept informed on what's happening.