Johor to set up ‘first of its kind’ rehab centre for 'deviants', including LGBT

Johor will set up a centre to rehabilitate those deemed deviant to Islamic teachings, including people who engage in same-sex relations.

According to state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairperson Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, a total of RM400,000 has been allocated for the centre, which is expected to start operating in July next year.

"The rehabilitation centre will not only tackle those who have veered from the right path, but it will also help those convicted of committing same-sex relations or LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) by the Syariah Court.

"The establishment of such a centre for those found to have engaged in same-sex relations is also the first in Malaysia. The centre will provide them with a space to purify their faith and get back on the right path," The Star quoted Fared (above) as saying at the state legislative sitting at Iskandar Puteri today.

He reportedly said this in reply to Abdul Aziz Talib (Perikatan Nasional-Maharani) who asked about the state’s initiatives to help Muslims strengthen their faith.

Fared said currently, the centre's office and hostels are in the process of being set up.

In addition, the rehabilitation centre would also provide awareness programmes and counselling for those in need, and religious programmes for new Muslim converts.

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