KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — State Islamic religious authorities must create and enforce laws to curb the spread of witchcraft and black magic that has already led to deaths, said Sabah Chief Shariah Prosecutor Sakaria Semela.
According to Sakaria, the issue needed serious consideration as the practice was becoming more widespread and only Islamic authorities were empowered to curtail them under Malaysia’s dual-legal systems.
“The practice of witchcraft can not only divide Muslims in the country, but there are cases that involve the loss of innocent lives,” he was quoted as saying by the Utusan Malaysia newspaper.
“The authority to implement these laws come under their jurisdiction, and the threat of witchcraft cannot be regarded as an isolated case any longer,” he added.
He said this during a dialogue on legislation related to witchcraft practices at the Malaysian Islamic Training Institute (ILIM) yesterday organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).
Among the most high-profile cases involving the practice of black magic or witchcraft is the murder of Batu Talam state assemblyman Datuk Mazlan Idris in 1993. Former singer turned witch doctor Maznah Ismail, better known as Mona Fandey, was convicted of his murder and sentenced to death in 2001.
Sakaria said state religious authorities must not use legal and technical limitations as an excuse not to take action against the practice.
“We may not have a full solution today, but we should not give up on the matter entirely,” he said, adding that it was no longer just a threat to intimidate victims.
Sakaria said that the practice has become a form of business that allows practitioners to profit handsomely because there was no yardstick of expertise or effectiveness of the practitioners and they can charge any amount at will.
