“We support dakwah” – Hannah Yeoh Says DBKL Only Seized ‘Street Dakwah’ Tent After Public Complaint

The enforcement action conducted by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) against a ‘Street Dakwah’ stall in Bukit Bintang, where a tent and materials were seized and subsequently returned, was not related to the act of Dakwah itself. Instead, the action was prompted by public complaints regarding the installation of the tent.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, explained the situation during today’s Dewan Rakyat session. Her statement came in response to a question from Arau Member of Parliament (MP), Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, regarding the incident.

She began by clarifying that her Ministry has always supported Dakwah activities.

“The Federal Territories Department, through DBKL, supports Dakwah activities and has never prevented them. However, such activities must be carried out in accordance with the regulations set by the authorities,” Yeoh stated.

“DBKL always works closely with other ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure that organisations, programmes, and activities receive the necessary cooperation,” she added.

Reasons for the seizure

Yeoh further clarified that the intervention followed a complaint from the public. She emphasised that no religious materials were seized during the incident. The seizure of other equipment only took place after DBKL officers had waited 30 minutes for a representative from Multiracial Reverted Muslims (MRM) to arrive.

“This is not an issue regarding Dakwah; this is an issue regarding the canopy,” Yeoh noted.

“The matter has been settled. A meeting was held, and materials such as chairs, folding tables, tents, and wheeled trolleys have since been retrieved by MRM. No religious materials were confiscated by DBKL.”

A DBKL officer was harassed

Before concluding her address, Yeoh highlighted a concerning consequence of the incident: the harassment of a DBKL officer. She noted that sentiments stoked by certain parties led to the officer being targeted on Facebook to the point where he was forced to deactivate his account.

“This saddens me, as there are many false perceptions being circulated. This should not happen. When enforcement officers receive a complaint and go into the field, they must be able to carry out their responsibilities without fear. Civil servants must be allowed to work honestly,” she added.

You can check out the Dewan Rakyat session here:

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