The Islamic Development Department, Malaysia (Jakim) has urged preachers to deliver religious talks in a courteous manner without resorting to harsh words and making confusing statements.

Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha said missionaries wishing to deliver their talks were advised to seek the approval of the religious authorities in the respective states.

He said this was because Jakim had found that there were a handful of preachers who delivered their talks using harsh words to insult several groups.

"They (preachers) also criticised various groups including civil servants, members of the security forces and so on, whereas what they are saying are not true and had hurt the feelings of the groups targeted," he said in a statement in Putrajaya today.

Meanwhile, Othman said Jakim always cooperated with the religious authorities in the states so that the procedures in delivering talks and religious ceramah were always complied with.

- Bernama