Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) will summon the individual who allegedly took part in the Miss Equality World 2026 competition in Thailand, following reports circulating on social media recently. JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee stated that the department would collaborate with state Islamic religious authorities and relevant agencies to address the issue, based on existing laws and regulations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JAKIM expressed concern over the reported participation of a Malaysian in the competition, stating it was regrettable and had caused public unease. The department emphasized that such actions contradict religious values, human nature, and the country's legal framework. JAKIM and state Islamic religious authorities have reiterated their stance against efforts to normalize such conduct.
A video shared on TikTok depicted an individual, believed to be a man, wearing women's clothing while speaking at the competition, which has incited criticism online. In response to the situation, Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) chairman Datuk Dr Hasan Bahrom remarked that attempts to normalize identities and practices viewed as contrary to Islamic principles should not be accepted and must be curtailed.
Dr Hasan urged the public to adopt an informed, respectful, and compassionate approach when promoting good and discouraging wrongdoing (amar ma'ruf nahi munkar), including towards those confronting gender identity issues. As an Islamic outreach organization, YADIM has been offering direct guidance to individuals dealing with gender identity challenges through various initiatives, such as the Gold Camp programme, now in its sixth year.
YADIM plans to continue engaging with and guiding communities through an inclusive, compassionate, and syariah-based approach, aligning with the Malaysia MADANI agenda under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan. The goal is to ensure no group is excluded from Islamic outreach and guidance, although addressing these issues requires collective support from society, particularly the Muslim community.
YADIM calls for relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action if any breach of existing laws or regulations is found. The organization emphasizes that any measures taken should include guidance and education to prevent individuals from reverting to practices that violate Islamic principles and the law.