Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman, said, “The centre is established to not only help those who have deviated from their akidah (faith) but also to rehabilitate those practicing same-sex relationships.” The initiative reflects a commitment to steer everyone towards the right path.
Malaysia’s first-ever rehabilitation facility will be open to people judged to be against Islamic beliefs, with particular focus on the LGBTQ+ community. The Johor government is leading the way in reform. This innovative center, which has been allocated RM400,000, is scheduled to open for business in July of 2024.
He also added, “At the moment, the preparation for the centre is underway with the setup of offices as well as training hostels for both male and female participants.” Mohd Fared shared these details during the Johor State Assembly sitting, emphasizing the importance of guiding and supporting these groups.
On a related note, in response to Abdul Aziz Talib’s question about boosting the dakwah programme, Mohd Fared revealed that RM15 million had been allocated to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Saudara Kita. Between 2020 and November this year, an impressive 2,845 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Chinese, Indian, Iban, Bidayuh, Kadazan, and Orang Asli, as well as foreigners from the Philippines and Vietnam, registered to convert to Islam.
The Johor Islamic Religious Department founded the Pertubuhan Kebajikan Saudara Kita in 2020, according to Mohd Fared, an assemblyman from Semerah. According to him, the organization also contributed to the implementation of the Islamic Studies Module, which covered morality, religion, worship, muamalat, sirah, and Quran recitation.
“In addition, it also functions to provide religious guidance to new converts in an effort to improve the teachings of Islam and to also care for their welfare.
“Among the courses conducted are Islam Pilihanku, Sinar Ibadah camp, Ramadan Iftar ceremony, Leisure Pilgrimage programme and Maulidur Rasul celebration,” said Mohd Fared.
—Malay Mail
