The state Mufti Department has proposed that the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012 (Sosma) be improved to curb the spread of Shiite teachings in the country.

Kedah deputy mufti Sheikh Marwazi Dziyauddin said the improvement was necessary due to technical constraints which prevented the authorities from taking action against individuals suspected of involvement in the spreading of Shiite teaching.

"Generally, we know even the police could not take action against individuals involved in the Shiite teaching due to the legal constraints, therefore it is more appropriate that Sosma be amended to enable the authorities to do so," he told reporters after the National Security Dialogue Session at the Home Ministry Hall in Alor Setar today.

Also present was Bukit Aman Counter-Terrorism principal assistant director, Special Branch (E8), Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, with 500 participants comprising civil servants and tahfiz students in Alor Setar and Kubang Pasu.

Sheikh Marwazi said the state Mufti Department was studying the matter seriously as the Shiite extremist movement could lead to the tendency of Muslims joining militant groups.

He said in Kedah the spread of the Shiite teachings was still under control.

- Bernama