After learning about Islam for three years, an engineering student from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTEM) Malacca had last night converted in front of controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

Witnessed by over 20,000 people gathered at UTEM campus for Zakir's lecture, Senkiran Dharma, 24, professed the declaration of faith after receiving answers to his questions about Islam.

Zakir's lecture was titled 'Islam-Problem and Solution to Humanity'.

Met by reporters later, Senkiran, who was previously a Hindu, said that he converted out of his own free will and not under coercion from any parties.

"I have been learning about Islam since three years ago, but after waiting for 24 years, I finally received the guidance to convert to Islam," he said.

Senkiran was seen to be in tears after reciting his declaration of faith.

He also later accepted a copy of the Quran from Zakir, to cries of takbir.

Also present at the event was Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron.

Last Friday, more than 40,000 people who attended Zakir's lecture at the Astaka field in Kemaman, Terengganu, witnessed a 19-year-old – Woo Nina Grace – who converted into Islam.

On Saturday, four more individuals also made the same move during Zakir's lecture at the Bukit Jalil national hockey stadium.