JOHOR BARU: Johor has set up a RM400,000 centre to rehabilitate members of deviant groups and those in same-sex relationships.
“This centre is designed for individuals with ‘distorted’ beliefs and those convicted by the Syariah Court for same-sex relationships, aiming to help them resume a ‘normal’ life,” said state Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid (pic).
He said yesterday the Johor government had allocated RM400,000 to establish Pusat Pemulihan dan Rumah Pemurnian Syariah Islam in Jalan Dato Menteri here, which has been fully operational since July last year.“This rehabilitation centre for those in same-sex relationships is the first of its kind in Malaysia.”
Mohd Fared also said the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) had allocated RM14mil to build the Aswaja academic centre in Pulai area here.
He said the state government, through the Johor Mufti Department, wants to make Aswaja a reference point for the public on matters involving deviation of beliefs and teachings not in line with Ahli Sunnah Wal Jammah of the Al Aisyairah Al Muturidiah school of thought.
“Since 1994, MAINJ, through the fatwa committee meeting, chaired by the Johor Mufti, has issued a fatwa against 22 various deviant groups.”
Mohd Fared said the state government would continue to give its full commitment in identifying and handling issues related to deviant teachings.
