The PAS-led Kelantan government said the Syiah problem in the state is not serious, but they want to nip it in the bud.

“It’s not at a serious level, but we want to curb it early on,” said Kelantan exco for Islamic development Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.

“Regardless, investigations will continue and those who are arrested will be charged,” he said last night according to PAS organ Harakahdaily.

“Before this, we have only heard of the existence of syiah followers, but as long as we cannot prove this, we cannot take action,” he added.

He was officiating a seminar on the 'Dangers of Liberal Islam' at the Kelantan Trade Center (KTC) in Kota Bharu.

Mohd Nassuruddin was commenting on the arrest of alleged syiah followers at Jalan Sri Cemerlang, Kota Bharu along with the seizure of printed materials linked to the faith.

Earlier Malaysiakini reported the detention of 10 suspected syiah followers, but Harakah puts the figure detained at 50.

Meanwhile Mohd Nassuruddin said those who run afoul of religion would be arrested regardless of political affiliation.

Malaysia practices Sunni Islam and does not permit the practice of Syi’ism.