Kuala Lumpur: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) has announced plans to summon individuals who appeared dressed as women during the 39th Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) awards show. The incident, which aired live last Sunday, has prompted swift action from the authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar revealed the decision following a briefing from JAWI director-general Hanifuddin Roslan. The JAWI enforcement division has already identified and reached out to those involved.

The actions taken by these individuals are considered a breach of Section 28 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act, focusing on the prohibition of men dressing as women. Mohd Na’im, speaking at a press conference after a meeting with Al-Aqsa Mosque Grand Imam Sheikh Dr Ekrima Said Sabri, emphasized that the next steps involve discussions with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Dakwah Division and the individuals in question.

These discussions aim to provide advice and clarification on the offence, with hopes that this incident will serve as a lesson to prevent future occurrences. Mohd Na’im stated that the department’s approach of enforcement and advisement aims to convey a strong message against such actions.

Furthermore, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has indicated that the government is prepared to take strict measures against any television station found to be in violation of existing guidelines.