Penang: Penang does not restrict religious speakers from delivering lectures as long as they comply with state religious guidelines and laws, said Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid. He emphasized that the state remains one of the most accessible places for obtaining religious credentials, providing exemptions from stringent tests or interviews for experienced speakers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, speakers adhering to the Penang Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 2004 do not face any issues, even in cases such as the recent incident involving a preacher reportedly barred from Masjid Semilang. This was highlighted by Mohamad at the 2025 MAINPP Zakat Fitrah Amil Awards (MAFIT) ceremony in Seberang Jaya today.

Mohamad further stated that last year, the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) amended its credentialing policy to streamline the approval process for qualified individuals. For speakers who deliver lectures occasionally, it is necessary for mosque or surau committees to obtain special permission from the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP).