BALIK PULAU: Villagers in Balik Pulau today expressed their concern over the distribution by a group of individuals, of copies of a book claimed to be in conflict with Islamc teachings.
The 30-page book titled, “Al-Masih Ringkasan Kisah Nyata Nabi Isa (Versi Bible)“, in Bahasa Indonesia, is believed to be illegally brought into Malaysia as it does not carry the logo of the Home Ministry.
The book has reportedly been distributed to eight villages in Balik Pulau since Tuesday.
Kampung Jalan Baru resident, Hasma Yahya, 55, said copies of the book were placed in front of the houses of residents in the area in the early morning.
“Why target our village when the majority of the residents are Muslims? This has never happened before,” Hasma told reporters, here, today.
Zuraidah Senafi, 38, said a copy of the book was found by her husband in front of their house early morning, yesterday.
“He was leaving for work when he saw the book and took it. We were shocked to find that it looked like a Bible in Bahasa Indonesia,” she said.
Balik Pulau Umno division Youth head, Hisham Abd Hamid said they had heard from the villagers about the distribution of the book over the past two days.
“So far, we have received over 50 copies of the book and will hand them over to the authorities. After perusing the book, we found certain contents to be conflicting with Islamic teachings.
“Following this, Balik Pulau Umno Youth together with seven non-governmental organisations lodged a report at the Sungai Pinang police station (in Balik Pulau),” he said.
Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Shah Hussain Shah said he would report the matter to the Penang Islamic Religious Department for action to be taken fast.
Southwest district police chief, Supt Lai Fah Hin, when contacted, confirmed having received a report on the distribution of the book and said the case was being investigated under Section 298 A of the Penal Code (for causing disharmony or enmity). -- Bernama