KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has developed a centralised reporting system to allow any person, particularly women and children vulnerable to exploitation and deviant teachings, to file complaints directly with the authorities.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan told the Dewan Rakyat this initiative was part of Jakim's efforts to address issues related to deviant teachings, particularly following the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) case.
He said Jakim was aware of the need to improve efforts in addressing such issues and those related to other deviant teachings in the country.
"The (handling of) complaints will be coordinated strategically between Jakim and state islamic religious departments," he said.
Zulkifli was responding to a question from Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong), who asked whether the government intended to enhance the standard operating procedures for filing complaints to ensure they are promptly addressed.
On legal action against GISB, Zulkifli said a legal ruling (ketetapan hukum) on matters of aqidah (faith) was required before its members could be charged for faith-related crimes.
"Perlis, Pahang, Selangor and the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia have decided on a legal ruling, which will serve as the reference point for prosecution.
"All evidence must also be verified for authenticity and strength. We will leave it to the authorities to review this matter."
Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian), in a supplementary question, had asked why GISB was charged for organised crime, but not for crimes related to aqidah.