The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has stressed that the authorities are closely monitoring the organisation of the programme “Glamping With Pride” and will not compromise on any efforts or approaches that seek to normalise deviant sexual behaviour.
Its Director-General, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, said such deviant sexual behaviour clearly contradicts religious principles and teachings, as well as moral values, civilisation, and the country’s legal framework.
Datuk dr sirajuddin suhaimee
“Such acts constitute offences under existing laws, including provisions under the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997 [Section 25] as well as the Penal Code [Sections 377A, 377B, 377C and 377D], which provide for offences related to carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” he said in a statement today (9 January).
Event under close inspection
Sirajuddin emphasised that the matter is already under close monitoring by JAKIM together with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
“The authorities will not compromise on any organisation or implementation of programmes found to be contrary to Islamic teachings, and firm action will be taken in accordance with the laws currently in force,” he said.
He added that JAKIM will continue to carry out its roles in outreach, education and prevention to the public, particularly Muslims in the country, so that they are not influenced or led to normalise deviant behaviour as a lifestyle.
“All parties are advised to comply with the law and to refer any related issues to the Islamic religious authorities for further action,” he added.
The program’s organiser, JEJAKA, recently stated that the glamping programme is a private event that does not violate any laws.
“We wish to state clearly that this event is a private, community-based retreat focused on wellbeing, peer support and health awareness. It involves lawful camping activities at a registered venue and does not violate any Malaysian law. Camping, gathering and community education are legal activities in this country.”
“At a time when Malaysians are grappling with far more pressing national issues, including cost of living pressures, corruption and public health, it is deeply disappointing to see political energy directed toward demonising a small group of LGBT people in Malaysia for spending time in nature,” they shared.
Meanwhile, it was recently reported that the police have received five reports over the promotion of the event with Kajang police chief Assistant Commissioner Naazron Abdul Yusof saying that the reports raised concerns that the event was an affront to public morality.
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