KUALA LUMPUR: Consultation services, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes by Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) are among the steps taken to curb lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities among Muslims in the country, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
In a parliamentary written reply, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said the government's concerted efforts involved various agencies, ministries and state departments to continuously educate the public.
"Aside from that, the government provides various initiatives in the form of consultation services, counselling, guidance via treatment and rehabilitation programmes by Jakim... special allocations to asnaf ar-riqab (a Muslim shackled by a power that restricts his freedom), as part of an effort to invite them to (refrain) from committing such acts," he said in response to Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena) on Wednesday (March 29).
Ahmad had asked the government to state its assessment on the Islamic Social Action Plan 2019-2025 to prevent the spread of LGBT activities in the country.
Mohd Na'im said the above efforts showed the government's concern and commitment to see that no group is marginalised and unable to benefit from its services.
"Jakim, as the central body that manages... Islamic matters in the country, will continue to strengthen its strategies in driving the development of Muslims especially (on) the issue of LGBT," he added.
On the action plan, he said the evaluation and review process was done in parallel with its implementation.
"The evaluation and review involves all relevant ministries, government departments and state Islamic departments," he added.
