'Don't replace one harm with another' - minister rebuffs brothel idea

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has denounced popular actor Rosyam Nor’s suggestion that brothels dedicated to migrant workers be established to prevent rape.

He said such an action would be akin to replacing one harmful act with another.

“The proposal to open a brothel is completely unacceptable and should be rejected by all levels of society.

“In finding a solution to the problem faced, the following jurisprudence should be used as a guide: harm cannot be removed by another harm.

“The proposal runs contrary to the provisions of civil and syariah law, and contrary to the principles of Islamic teachings and Maqasid al-Syariah,” Na’im (above) said in a statement today.

The minister advised the public not to issue statements that may cause issues contrary to Islamic teachings and reminded that prostitution is an offence under the Penal Code Act 574.

"Among the provisions related to the offence of prostitution are as follows; Section 372 – exploiting any person for purposes of prostitution, Section 372A – persons living on or trading in prostitution, Section 372B – soliciting for the purposes of prostitution and Section 373 – managing brothels.

"In addition, in the Syariah Criminal Offenses Act (Federal Territories) 1997 (Act 559) there are also several provisions related to the offence of prostitution, including Subsection 21 – prostitution, Section 22 – muncikari (a person who acts as a middleman between a woman and a man for any purpose that violates hukum syarak) and Section 23 – intercourse outside of marriage," Na'im added.

He pointed out that prostitution is a serious crime under Islamic law that is included in the hudud category.

Rosyam has also come under heavy criticism for his suggestion from women's rights groups such as the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) and Sisters in Islam (SIS) as well as migrant rights advocates Tenaganita.

Both SIS and WAO noted that Rosyam had a history of perpetuating bigotry and violence against women, referencing the actor’s 2022 TikTok video with former women, families and community development minister Rina Harun.

Don't belittle women

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri urged all quarters to not belittle women by proposing to use them as "tools".

"Women deserve better than that. As the minister in charge of the women, family, and community development portfolio, the ministry is always focused on efforts to strengthen and empower women.

"This includes providing the best ecosystem and a conducive environment for women to get equal career opportunities as their male counterparts," she said in a statement.

Nancy pointed out that her ministry also has "zero tolerance" for violence against women.

"Thus, positive awareness and publicity about women's rights and support system should be disseminated to the rakyat.

"We should not normalise insensitive statements, suggestions or jokes about women, especially when they go against legal norms, principles, familial and cultural values and religion.

"I believe that Malaysians are educated, civilised people, and therefore, (let’s) act in a better manner in the future, to set a good example to the coming generations."

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