Actions against Syiah practitioners in the country are not taken based on individual or political party, but on the fact that they have violated the ruling made by the National Fatwa Council in 1996, the Dewan Negara was told.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the council's committee meeting in 1996 decided that the Syiah teachings contravened the Al-Sunnah Wal Jamaah or Sunni sect of Islam.

"That is why Islamic scholars decided, in regards of the law, not to allow any teachings that contravene the Sunnah Wal Jamaah to be practiced by Muslims in the country," he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2014, Monday.

Jamil Khir also did not dismiss the possibility that the presence of Iranian tourists and students in Malaysia had also contributed to the spread of Syiah teachings among Muslims in the country, especially through cultural activity, such as the Karbala Day celebration.

However, not all Iranian tourists and students were involved in spreading Syiah teachings to local residents as some of them were followers of Sunni sect, he said.

"Nevertheless, Jakim (Malaysian Islamic Development Department) and Jain (state religious departments) will always monitor their activities," he said.

In another development, Jamil Khir said 98 deviant sects had been identified across the country so far, with five still active.

"The active deviant sects are Syiah; Al-Arqam/Rufaqa'/Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB); Kerabat Raja Sakti (PKRS) Organisation or formerly known as Azhar Wahab sect or al-Mansur; Tuhan Harun; and Ilmu Makrifat Tok Kenali led by Haji Shaari bin Mohd Yusof," he said.

Based on record, between 2007 and 2012, a total of 442 cases related to deviant sect had been taken to courts nationwide.

The sitting continues Tuesday.