JAIPP director Zulkifli Long said a person must apply for the permit from religious authorities before he is allowed to speak on Islamic subjects.

He told FMT that Naik could apply for the credentials for a small fee.

Zulkifli’s explanation comes after the Penang Island City Council reportedly refused to allow a public talk by Naik, planned for June 14 at the City Stadium.

He said the tauliah is given subject to several conditions, including one that requires a preacher must subscribe to Sunni Islam, and that he does not offend those of other beliefs and cultures.

When contacted, the Islamic Propagation Society International which is planning to host Naik in Penang said the public talk was “postponed”. He declined to comment further.

Naik is accused of giving provocative speeches, which were cited as a reason by Bangladesh for an attack in Dhaka in 2016 which left 22 people dead.

India’s National Investigation Agency is also investigating Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation, over allegations of money laundering.

Naik has denied the charges, saying he is a victim of the Indian media whom he accuses of sensationalising the issue in their quest to get a bigger audience.

The 53-year-old televangelist, who was close to leaders of the previous government and was granted Malaysian permanent resident status, has also fought off attempts to have him deported.

Naik’s son, Fariq had once given a talk in Penang in April 2016.

The talk at Universiti Sains Malaysia was attended by some 4,000 people.