KOTA BARU – The government does not rule out the possibility of amending the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355, to provide for heavier punishments on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the Act’s current sentence – which provides for a three-year imprisonment, a fine of RM5,000 and six strokes of the cane – is seen as not having much effect on such individuals.
“This amendment should be seen as necessary to address their wrongdoings,” he told reporters here today.
Marzuk said currently, stern action has been taken against those who do not dress as required of their gender.
“All state religious agencies and enforcers have been instructed to take action against those (LGBTs) who do not behave accordingly.”
He urged anyone with information on unhealthy activities carried out by LGBT groups to come forward and lodge a report to facilitate action against them. – Bernama, January 19, 2021
