Malaysians deported

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Six Malaysians here on tourist visas have been asked to leave the country after they were caught preaching in the area.

The six were arrested while preaching at a mosque in Dukuhwaluh village, Banyumas regency, the head of the Banyumas Office of Socio-political Affairs Lt.Col. Soegeng told The Jakarta Post.

The six were identified as Solichin Abdulrochmat, 53, Abdul Rozak Soleh, 29, Abdul Gafur Abdul Gani, 46, Ismail Awang, 34, Abdullah Ismail, 34, and Rossly Jamaludin, 35.

The authorities believe that the men were involved in similar activities in several towns in Central Java, including Pemalang, Brebes, Pekalongan and Tegal.

"This has nothing to do with the Islamic teachings they were preaching. They have misused their visas," Soegeng said. (wah/sim)