In a statement, lawyers Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Singh said the video also contained advice as to how children can pray in secret and hide the conversion from their parents.

They said numerous police reports were lodged against Firdaus after the video made its rounds on social media, including one lodged by their client, Arun Dorasamy.

“We are pleased to inform the public that the police have finally opened an investigation paper against Firdaus under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code,” they said.

“We hope that justice will be served and Firdaus will be charged and convicted for his crimes against society.”

Section 505(c) deals with “intent to incite or which is likely to incite” any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community of persons.

Previously, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism said it was appalled by the video, describing it as “immoral, unconstitutional and illegal”.

The council said Firdaus’s advice goes against the fundamental liberties outlined in the Federal Constitution, which stipulates the right to determine the religion of children vests in their parents.