Malaysia: Security Guard Arrested For Possessing AROPL Materials

A 36 year old security guard from Telok Mas, a small town in Melaka Tengah District, Malacca, Malaysia, was arrested at his home where materials, which included banners, posters, books and documents related to the teachings from The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light at about 8am on the 12th of February.

As Malaysia is a member of the United Nations, the UN Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief, articulated in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guarantees everyone the right to hold and change their religion or beliefs, and to practice them freely, either alone or in community with others. Malaysia became a member of the United Nations on the 17th of September 1957 and has affirmed acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which outlines fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals.

Mohammad Shahirman Akbar was charged under Section 63 of the Syariah Offences (Melaka) Enactment 1991 for insulting Islam, which provides a maximum sentence of three years in prison or a fine of RM5,000 or both if convicted.

Syariah Judge Mohd Yunus Mohamad Zin sentenced Mohammad Shahirman Akbar Ali Khan to five months in prison or to pay a fine of RM5000. This was negotiated down to RM2500. He paid the fine.

The prosecution was conducted by Senior Deputy Syariah Prosecutor Muhammad Rafaie Zasari, while the accused was unrepresented. The teachings of "The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" have been declared haram under the state edict. 

This story has been published in various Malaysian news outlets as the Malaysian government continues to demonise The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in a flagrant propaganda campaign to eradicate all presence and reference to the faith.

Mohammad Shahirman Akbar Ali Khan is a father of three children (including one stepchild), aged between 3 and 14 years old. He is a registered disability card holder (physical category) due to work related accidents in his previous jobs as a GrabCar private hire taxi driver for several years. His monthly earnings as a security guard was RM1700 per calendar month in accordance with the Employment Act 1955 (Amendment 2019) on minimum wage. Working hours are 12 hours per day, with 10 hours of duty and 2 hours allocated for breaks (1 hour lunch break, 30 minutes morning break, and 30 minutes afternoon break). The guard is not permitted to leave the assigned post during duty hours and he had only been in employment at this job since the 16th of October 2025.

With the attention directed at The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light members imprisoned in Egypt for their belief from the USCRIF recently, it should not be long before this campaign by the Malaysian government catches their attention.