A RECENT social media exposé detailing a 21-year-old Malay Muslim youth’s deep involvement in New Age spiritualism, Tarot card reading, and multi-faith religious rituals has sparked widespread public outrage.
The revelations, shared progressively over three days on Facebook by user Masyitah Ashari, claim the youth studied cross-religious spiritual practices since childhood.
According to the posts, he has traveled internationally, claiming his title as a shaman, and practicing a blend of Siamese mantras and Islamic ruqyah.
The account holder criticised the dangers of the New Age Movement, arguing it leads individuals to amalgamate global faiths while falsely claiming to remain Muslim.
Subsequent updates included photographic evidence showing the youth participating in Thaipusam festivities at Batu Caves, Selangor, allegedly carrying an idol on his head, piercing his tongue and cheeks with a trident, and walking in spiked wooden sandals.
Furthermore, the posts claim these activities are openly supported by his family, including his mother and a younger sister who works as an emerging actress.
The viral disclosures have drawn heavy backlash from the Malay-Muslim online community.
Thus far, federal and state religious authorities, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia and relevant State Islamic Religious Departments, have yet to issue an official statement regarding the case.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan, stated that detailed examination and further investigation will be conducted in accordance with the jurisdiction and existing legal provisions.
“Any action taken will be based on facts and the findings of investigations by the relevant authorities to safeguard justice and societal harmony,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Commenting further, Zulkifli said his department takes note of and views seriously the spread of the viral videos on social media.
According to him, the government remains firm in preserving the purity of the Islamic faith and will not compromise on any practices proven to deviate from Islamic teachings.—Oct 11, 2026
Main image: Masyitah Ashari (Facebook)
