'The Malaysian Diddy freak-offs'? Marriage programme under fire for nude rituals

SHAH ALAM – What was marketed as a women's self-empowerment and marital motivation programme turned into something deeply disturbing.

Held here in September 2024, this 'marriage motivation' event, spearheaded by a husband-and-wife team, has triggered national outrage following allegations of nude rituals, sexually charged activities and spiritual practices resembling religious deviance. Now, the authorities are stepping in.

The Malaysian Diddy freak-offs

The core of the four-day event was a session known as the Queen Session, which attracted around 50 women.

According to a former participant, the atmosphere became unsettling when the room was dimmed and the facilitators entered with romantic music playing.

Several women dressed as 'Cleopatra' took the stage, followed by the programme’s founder (the wife), who eventually danced naked in front of attendees.

“She invited others to join in. Many were stunned and uncomfortable,” the former participant wrote in a now-viral Facebook post.

What followed was a sequence of events that reportedly resembled a cult-like initiation:

The former participant described the ritual as a dangerous blend of New Age spiritualism and religious deviation, especially shocking in Selangor, a state with strict religious regulations.

She stated that an official report with evidence had been submitted and this issue had been raised previously by education activist Cikgu Fadli Salleh, but without prior action.

Police and religious authorities begin investigation

Following a complaint filed in February by the husband of a participant, Shah Alam district police confirmed that an investigation was underway.

Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim revealed that witnesses and the complainant’s wife had been interviewed.

Representatives from Jais (Selangor Islamic Religious Department) were present during questioning.

“We recorded statements from several witnesses who were at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact Shah Alam Police,” Iqbal urged.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, stated that he is aware of the public concerns.

“The approach used in the programme has caused considerable unease. I have instructed Jakim’s Director-General to work closely with Jais to address this matter,” he said.

Were these rituals rooted in other faiths?

Some former participants claim the programme drew references from non-Islamic religious texts, including Hindu scriptures and that teachings were distributed through private Telegram channels.

These allegations further fueled speculation that the programme was spreading deviant doctrines under the guise of women’s self-help and marriage counselling.

Reports indicated that the mysterious drink called, ‘Piya’ was given to participants before the bizarre rituals commenced.

The drink allegedly caused altered emotional states and made attendees more vulnerable to suggestion.

Politicians and religious leaders respond

The programme’s activities have received harsh criticism from both religious and political figures.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari confirmed that the event had no affiliation with any state agency.

“I am concerned about the allegations. I have instructed Jais to conduct a full investigation and to take firm action if the allegations are found to be true,” he said.

Jakim Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said that this joint investigation is part of an ongoing effort to curb deviant practices and the spread of harmful ideologies that contradict Islamic teachings.

He added that Jakim views this matter seriously and will work with state authorities to protect morality, family harmony and the sanctity of Islamic teachings.

Offers of help for affected women

In a more supportive response, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has offered counselling services to women affected by the incident.

Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said that their Social Welfare Department and Women’s Development Division are prepared to assist.

“In cases like this, we usually mobilise counsellors. We advise women to thoroughly verify the credibility of any programme before joining,” she said.

Repercussions and public outrage

Public sentiment has been unforgiving. Many on social media are questioning how such a programme with nudity, ritualistic elements and sexual content could have taken place without prior scrutiny from local authorities.

The fact that the event occurred at a public convention centre in Shah Alam, so close to Jais headquarters, only intensified criticism.

Calls are now mounting for criminal charges, a ban on similar self-help movements and a crackdown on unregulated motivational programmes masquerading as spiritual healing or family therapy.

What is Next?

The founders of the event allegedly a husband-and-wife team will soon be summoned by Jais for formal questioning.

Investigators are also looking into potential violations of religious law, public decency laws and whether any psychoactive substances were used.

Religious authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious programmes and avoid groups not recognised by Jakim or state Islamic departments.

The case also serves as a cautionary tale, especially for those seeking help for marital or emotional issues.

Always verify the legitimacy of any programme, especially those involving closed-door activities, unregulated rituals, or unverified claims of transformation.

As of now, no arrests have been made, but authorities assure the public that appropriate action will follow once investigations conclude.