THE Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) has criticised the participation of an individual said to have represented Malaysia at a transgender beauty pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, last week.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the government had not endorsed or approved the individual’s participation and that the matter would be looked into with the relevant authorities.
A video showing the individual at the international pageant on Aug 30 had recently circulated on social media, prompting attention in Malaysia.
Zulkifli said such participation could affect the country’s image and was at odds with Islamic teachings as well as local cultural values.
He said tasyabbuh, or imitating the opposite sex, and the promotion of transgender lifestyles were prohibited under Islamic law and Syariah laws in the states.
“Such events have never received any support, approval or recognition from the religious authorities or the Malaysian government,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Zulkifli said the religious authorities would work with the relevant agencies to determine what action, if any, could be taken under existing laws.
He did not disclose the identity of the individual or say what specific legal provisions might apply.
The minister also called on the public not to sensationalise or glorify matters that conflict with Islamic principles, urging Malaysians instead to uphold the values and religious beliefs of the Muslim community. – September 1, 2026
