Ipoh: The Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) has refuted claims circulated on social media alleging that it had instructed traders to cease their business operations at Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab. The rumors suggested that MAIPk had ordered the traders to vacate the premises without prior notice.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh, the chief executive officer of MAIPk, clarified that the notice issued was meant to address issues related to a leaking main water pipe and outstanding water bills, which have accumulated to approximately RM100,000. The council explained these issues to the traders during an engagement session held on July 14, emphasizing the necessity of temporarily disconnecting the water supply to facilitate repairs and address the bill.

Syamsul Hazeman assured that there was no directive for traders to leave the premises. The notice was simply to communicate MAIPk's responsibilities and ensure that the institution was not subjected to any false claims. The information was shared with the media following the conclusion of the 2026 Perak State Mosque Committee Convention at the Casuarina Convention Centre.

He further elaborated that MAIPk had taken ownership of the land in 2024 and discovered pre-existing issues with the main water pipe leak and significant outstanding water bills. The arrears, he noted, were not due to the traders' water usage but rather issues with the main pipeline supplying the premises.

Syamsul Hazeman stated that MAIPk is in discussions with the Perak Water Board to find a resolution, noting that the situation is complex and beyond the council's capacity to resolve independently. He emphasized that funds from zakat or waqf cannot be used to settle these arrears. MAIPk is also seeking assistance from the state government, expressing confidence that a solution will be found, although it may require time.

Once the financial issues are resolved, MAIPk plans to proceed with necessary repair works and manage new rental arrangements with traders through fresh contracts. Regarding the potential construction of the Perak Islamic Religious Department Complex on the site, Syamsul Hazeman mentioned that traders would need to cooperate if the project proceeds, though the timeline for this development is under the state government's jurisdiction.

Earlier, a Threads user had claimed that MAIPk cut off the water supply without notice, a claim MAIPk has now clarified and denied.