The Terengganu government is gathering sufficient evidence, including eyewitness accounts, before initiating a crackdown on self-proclaimed spiritual leader Ariffin Mohammad and his followers in Kampung Batu 13 near Jerteh.

Government sources said state authorities are biding their time before moving in to apprehend Ariffin, widely known as Ayah Pin, for his active involvement in alleged "deviant practices".

"We prefer to keep a lid on this whole thing until we have sufficient evidence for a comprehensive action because we know that he has lawyers and other professionals on his side who may be tipped off by any ad hoc move," one source told malaysiakini.

"Furthermore, we don't want to risk public safety by acting rashly now."

They said the authorities are tightlipped about the probe because revealing details would "not only jeopardise investigations but also endanger the lives of those monitoring him and the village".

When contacted, the Terengganu exco member in charge of religious affairs was reluctant to divulge details or confirm the information.

Islam Hadhari development committee chairperson Wan Mohd Wan Hassan was only willing to say that all state enforcement authorities are continuously monitoring Ayah Pin and the village.

"I do not wish to say anything until we have concluded our investigations. All I can say is that we are watching and monitoring all their activities," he said in a telephone interview.

Wan Mohd, who is also Kota Putera state assemblyperson, was in Putrajaya attending a meeting on Islam Hadhari at the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Contacted today, Jakim research director Anan C Mohd said the federal body only plays a monitoring role.

"All enforcement on religious matters such as deviant teachings or practices is under the state governments' purview. We merely streamline the action to be taken," he said.

On how Jakim handles state governments in relation to individual cases, he said: "We follow-up with the state authorities and request their co-operation to expedite pending action against any deviants."

Anan also declined to divulge more information on Ayah Pin's case, instead referring the matter to Jakim director-general Mustafa Abdul Rahman for detailed comments.

Mustafa was busy with the Islam Hadhari meeting and could not be reached for comment.

New charges?

In 2001, Ayah Pin had been sentenced to 11 months in jail by the Kota Baru syariah court. He served seven years at the Pengkalan Chepa prison in Kelantan before relocating to Kampung Batu 13.

He may now face new charges under Terengganu's religious enactment if the authorities build an airtight case against him, according to the sources.

His activities, they said, are deemed deviant and dangerous under state laws, hence the silent scrutiny by state and federal religious authorities.

Earlier this month, a Christian group from Kuala Lumpur were at the village to share faith experiences on Ayah Pin's invitation. Similar invitations were extended to Orang Asli groups from Gua Musang and Johor.

Police sources told malaysiakini that it was not the first time Ayah Pin has been involved with Christian groups.

"He has gotten Christians involved even before that, which is dangerous (because proselytising to Muslims is prohibited)," said the sources, some of whom have been monitoring the group for a decade.

It is understood that the planned "comprehensive action" may include an acquisition of the 2-ha land now occupied by Ayah Pin and his followers, and which belonged to his late wife. [Correction]

He may also be cited for violating the National Land Code, particularly the use of agriculture land to erect a series of unique giant tile-and-concrete structures in the middle of the commune, which has 30 houses.

To date, the authorities have not been able to pin specific charges on Ayah Pin and his followers in relation to these accusations.

Correction: Ariffin Mohammad, who is also known as Ayah Pin, has clarified that his wife is still alive. State officials had earlier told malaysiakini that Ayah Pin's wife had passed away.