Cure-all holy water going for RM30 at night markets

NST: IPOH: It is purported to be a cure-all holy water, to be used for ailments from diabetes and stroke to kidney stones.
It costs between RM15 and RM27, and is sold at night markets and by more than 800 stockists.
The manufacturer, Annusyarah Sdn Bhd, claims in its website that the water derives its healing properties from a procedure known as annusyarah.
Quranic verses are written on a white plate with a yellow ink made from the saffron plant. Zam Zam water is then poured over the plate and the water is said to gain healing properties from the verses.
National Islamic Medical Practitioners Association president Prof Dr Abdul Latif Mohd said they were against such practices because they had no basis in medicine.
"For a product to be accepted as a medicine or treatment to cure an ailment, it must undergo clinical testing."
Dr Abdul Latif added that relying on the testimonials of people who had used the product was not evidence that the product was safe or could be used as a remedy.
The Annusyarah website also shows a certificate from the Companies Commission of Malaysia, and a letter of support from the Perak Mufti.
However, it does not carry endorsements from the Perak Religious Department for halal procedures. Nor does it have certification from the State Health Department or the Health Ministry that the product is safe.
But this has not stopped the company, which has been selling the holy water for over a year, from expanding its operations.
It is opening a factory at the Mara Industrial Area in Ulu Kinta today. Deputy Minister of Co-operative and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Khamsiyah Yeop is expected to open the factory.
Although the Perak State Mufti has endorsed the product, some doubt its authenticity and its healing properties.
Religious teacher Pak Nan said healing water could not be produced on a large scale or be sold for profit.
"When a person asks us for air penawar (healing water), it must be custom-made," he said. "Which means that as the verses from the Quran are read into the water, the person’s name is included.
"We cannot seek payment for the service. If the person wishes to sedekah (to give alms) we accept, but we cannot ask for payment," he said.
Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria, however, says the procedure does not violate Islamic law.
"It is not against Syarak, and yes it can be commercialised for profit. The ink, za’faran, is not cheap. And it is not abusing the Quran. There have been no complaints from the ulama."
Some stockists say there is nothing wrong with the product, and that the Perak Mufti supports it.