PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has criticised those who reportedly distributed copies of the Bible and Christianity-themed brochures in schools.

He suggested that dialogues be held instead with Muslims, such as the controversial Indian-born preacher Zakir Naik, who has been accorded Malaysian permanent resident status.

"Christian priests and Christians should be open to the idea of holding dialogues with Muslims as Islam allows such practice.

"We have (for instance), (preacher) Zakir Naik who is often criticised (for his views).

"There should be open dialogues to find the truth, not the distribution of the Bible to those who have no religious knowledge," he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Previously, it was reported that copies of the Bible were distributed in schools in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Kedah and Johor Bahru.

In Penang, the police have recorded statements from close to 30 people regarding the incident.

Hadi, who is also Marang MP, said freedom of religion in Malaysia does not mean the sensitivities of Muslims can be trampled on.

The PAS leader hoped that state governments, as well as the federal government, would use the existing laws to deal with such cases.