MB says poverty behind Muslim apostasy in Selangor

(Bernama) – Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the issue of apostasy among Muslims in Selangor is caused by poverty and efforts are being taken to address it.

Khalid who is also the state executive councillor for Islamic affairs said he would combine aid by Islamic Trust Fund and Selangor Zakat Board to better care for the welfare of Muslims.

He said this in reply to a question from Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali (Independent-Gombak Setia), who asked about efforts to convert Muslims in Selangor in the state assembly here today.

Khalid said Islamic law enforcement agencies need to monitor how other religious missionaries draw Muslims and look into ways to save the faith of Muslims.

To a supplementary question from Ng Suee Lim (DAP-Sekinchan) who asked how many Muslims had been apostatised since Pakatan Rakyat ruled, Khalid said he did not have the data as apostasy was an issue for individuals and families did not publicise it.

However, there were still 10 cases relating to apostasy undergoing the court process in Selangor, he added.