Three to be charged over viral video allegedly involving spirit worship

THREE individuals are set to be charged in the Syariah Court of Batu Pahat today following the circulation of a video allegedly depicting a ritual linked to spirit worship and deviant teachings in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat.

Chairman of the Johor State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, confirmed the upcoming charges in a brief statement, saying: "The video, allegedly showing a 'spirit (Jin) worship performance' in Batu Pahat, involves three individuals who will be charged at the Batu Pahat Syariah Court today."

The video, which recently went viral on social media, reportedly shows a one-minute ritual believed to be connected to *kuda kepang* — a traditional Javanese dance often debated for its spiritual elements — and has been linked by some to *syirik* (idolatrous) practices.

Yesterday, Johor’s state government instructed both the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to investigate and take swift enforcement action over the incident.

Johor’s Chief Minister, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said the matter must not be taken lightly and called for a full investigation in accordance with the law. - August 30, 2025