KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 ― Groups lobbying against vaccination for children are in violation of orders from God for they are putting the health of their little ones at risk, Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria has said.

Local Malay daily Berita Harian (BH) quoted the National Fatwa Council member as saying that it was a sin for parents to reject immunisation as this would create opportunities for children to succumb to a variety illnesses.

“If we already know that there is a disease that could lead to disaster such as tuberculosis, chickenpox and many others, then we need to be ready by way of getting vaccinated, which is necessary in today's age.

“Those who reject immunisation are sinners as they are violating an order from God to be prepared to face things that could lead to calamity and destruction,” he was quoted saying in BH today.

In October last year, the Health Ministry confirmed the existence of an anti-vaccine movement among parents in Malaysia, and said that it was primarily based in Kedah.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the movement started over unfounded fears that vaccines contained pig DNA, and that Muslims should stay away from getting immunisation jabs.

“There is a movement. Many of them in Kedah reject vaccinations,” Dr Hilmi said in a recent reply in Parliament to Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli Che Mat.

“We are telling these people it is not true, most vaccines do not have pig DNA,” Dr Hilmi added.

He also said that the Health Ministry would have to go on a more aggressive campaign to create awareness on the importance of ensuring that children and babies receive immunisation jabs.

Parents in a growing anti-vaccination wave have said it is a personal choice based on their own research and experience.