The visit which was part of a programme had sparked debate among netizens after a viral video featured a female participant saying there were many similarities between Islam and Hinduism.

The department said the woman in the video was not a staff member but her remarks had caused a misunderstanding and tarnished the department’s reputation.

“We apologise to all parties, including Muslims, over the controversy that has surfaced following the trip as well as over statements made by the participant involved. The woman involved was just a participant who joined the programme voluntarily,” it said in a statement.

The department also said the visit was handled by the Malaysian-Muslim group, Global Unity Network, with the cooperation of the department and involving 32 participants from throughout Perak.

It said all 32 participants are taking five Islamic preaching courses under the department, which are aimed at improving their understanding of Islam. The visit was part of a module to train and improve their confidence in preaching, especially to correct any misunderstanding of Islam, such as Islamophobia sentiments, it said.

The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is head of Islam in the state, has ordered the department to review the module, the statement said.