KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Police have warned members of an alleged cult wanted to assist investigations into the murder of a head enforcement officer from the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) to surrender, or risk being tracked down by the law.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar urged all 31 members of the group known as “Tuhan Haron” — named after their leader — to surrender before their activities expand and they end up becoming militants.

Khalid said police intend to question them over the assassination of Ahmad Rafli Abdul Malek, 49, at his home in Indera Mahkota 2 in Kuantan as police are investigating if the murder is connected to the victim’s duties as an enforcement head.

Ahmad Rafli had been involved in the arrest of the deviant “Tuhan Haron” group in Kuantan early this year.

Khalid said police view such cult groups seriously as in many foreign countries, what began as deviant teachings resulted in creating militants.

“Of course, it’s not happening in Malaysia but there is a possibility, so police must be alert to prevent it.”

Khalid said Pahang police have set up a special task force to investigate all possible angles which could have led to the murder.

Police are attempting to ascertain whether Ahmad Rafli’s murder is also connected with the recent gazetting of anti-Syiah laws in Pahang.

In July, the Pahang state religious authorities were planning to gazette a fatwa (edict) to curb the spread of Syiah teachings for fear it could confuse Muslims.

As the state religious department enforcement head, Ahmad Rafli was involved in carrying out operations to ensure that Syiah teachings were not spread in Pahang.

Khalid said Ahmad Rafli was also involved in carrying out raids on several night clubs in Kuantan recently.

“Investigations are underway to establish the motive of the murder so that we can track down the suspects soon,” Khalid said.

Police are also checking if Ahmad Rafli received any death threats prior to his murder.

On Sunday, Ahmad Rafli was resting in the living room with his family when three men in a Proton Wira stopped in front of his house.

One of the men asked for Mohd Rafli and as the victim came out, another suspect barged out of the car and fired three shots, killing him instantly.

The three men were wearing black clothes and kopiah (skullcaps).