Dog-patting event in Malaysia to break down taboos riles clerics

Islamic authorities in Malaysia are conducting a probe into a controversial "dog-patting" event aimed at removing the stigma regarding man's best friend in the multi-ethnic, Muslim-majority country.

The event, titled "I want to touch a dog" and held in a park on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, encouraged patting dogs, seen as unclean in Islam, and reportedly drew hundreds of Muslims, raising the ire of religious leaders.

Islamic authorities said they would investigate the event, while a Muslim leader, Nooh Gadut, said the event was an attempt to insult clerics.

"Don't try to create a culture that is opposite to Islam," he was quoted by local media as saying.

The Muslim organiser, Syed Azmi Alhabshi, 30, had said his intention was to help people overcome their fear of dogs and promote compassion towards animals.

Many Malaysians, who are active social media users, posted positive comments about the event online.