UMP formulates SOP to combat use of witchcraft

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), through the Committee for Advanced Studies in Witchcraft Law, has formulated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to combat the use of witchcraft.

The committee's chairman, Dr. Mahyuddin Ismail, said the SOP was a result of a two-year study, which began in February 2013, involving individuals from various fields, including Islamic medicine practitioners, Islamic scholars, judges and psychiatrists.

"The study also received a grant of RM189,000 from the Education Ministry under the Knowledge Transfer Programme.

"From the study findings, we have formulated provisions on evidence, proving of case, as well as the SOP. Now, we are just waiting for any states to make the first move to introduce the law.

"So far, Brunei has showed keen interest on the findings and has asked for it to be implemented in the country," he told reporters after chairing the 'Metaphysical Talk: Witchcraft As A Crime' programme at the university here today.

He said briefings on the importance of the move to introduce the law had been held through several roadshows in Sabah and Sarawak since last year.

"After this, the organising of the roadshow will be expanded to the east coast states, before we proceed to the west coast states in April," he added.