Govt to streamline syariah laws

JOHOR BARU: The government plans to streamline syariah enactments on transgenders in an effort to curb unhealthy activities.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Fuziah Salleh said the move was necessary to strengthen existing syariah laws.
She said to date, there were 20,000 persons in the country, 83% of whom are sex workers.
"The existing laws are not stringent enough and I will meet with the heads of Islamic religious departments tomorrow in Labuan (Sabah) at a conference and will discuss with them.
Fuziah was commenting on a statement by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today that the government will not accept LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexsual and Transgender (LGBT) culture in the country.
She said although the government did not recognise transgenders, they must be helped through various programmes such as those which enable them to switch careers and increase their skills.
Earlier, Fuziah attended a dialogue with Parti Keadilan Rakyat members at Hotel Seri Malaysia here today. — Bernama