Muslim cooperative Rufaqa Corporation - linked to banned religious movement al-Arqam - saw some of their business premises raided by Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang this afternoon.

Dozens of Jais officers tore down posters and signs bearing the word 'Rufaqa'. Books and posters featuring Rufaqa executive chairperson Ashaari Muhammad were also seized.

Jais enforcement officers also seized some items not on public display.

State executive councillor in charge of religious affairs Abdul Rahman Palil told reporters that the raid was carried out according to a state gazette which bans all publicity material of the banned al-Arqam and Rufaqa Cooperation

"If they want to do business, don't use Rufaqa symbols. We have banned it [...] Don't hang pictures of Ashaari," said Abdul Rahman.

Ashaari, also known as Abuya by followers, was formerly the leader of al-Arqam which was accused as a 'deviant' sect.

No struggle

The government has claimed that the multinational and multi-million ringgit Rufaqa Corporation, which owns various businesses from restaurants to clinics, to be the latest incarnation of al-Arqam.

Rufaqa Corporation was subsequently banned on Dec 21, 2006. This is the third known raid by Jais on Rufaqa's business premises.

Numerous business premises within the area was closed during the 3.30pm raid. Closed doors however did not stop Jais officers from breaking into a mini-market.

Among the premises raided include a restaurant, a surau and a clinic. All premise owners or caretakers duly complied with the instructions from the raiding party.

One clinic attendant was also seen serving drinks to the raiding party.

According to Abdul Rahman, three individuals were detained for investigation purposes. Their identities were not disclosed.

On Dec 28, 2006, Rufaqa Corporation filed a RM150 million defamation suit against Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director general Mustapha Abdul Rahman, Abdul Rahman and Zabidi Shariff, former legal adviser to al-Arqam.

Watch the video of the raid below: