The Terengganu government has acknowledged that the warning signs about homosexual behaviour, which have been put up in several key spots around the state, are meant to discourage such acts by making people view them negatively.
According to state local government, housing and health exco Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, the signs are part of an effort to guide the public away from actions that go against religious teachings and social norms.
The signboard which was put up by the Kuala Terengganu City Council, features two male stick figures holding hands. The figures are surrounded by flames and a crossed-out heart, alongside a Quranic verse and a message condemning same-sex relations.
“We want people to strongly reject homosexual behaviour. We want them to see it as something wrong and unacceptable,” he said.
He added that the signs are also meant to add more Islamic elements to the city’s look and feel, according to a report by Sinar Harian.
Wan Sukairi was responding to a report that questioned the presence of one of these signs near Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). He said the signs serve as a constant reminder, especially in areas with lots of young people, like universities.
“We’re focusing on university areas because that’s where many young people are. The message is important to help them avoid getting involved in negative behaviour.”
He also mentioned that while each local council in Terengganu can choose how to present the message, the goal is the same which is to educate and prevent.
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