A total of 135 arrests linked to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities were recorded nationwide between 2022 and 2025, Parliament was told.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan, said the figures were compiled from statistics provided by various state religious departments.
He explained that such cases fall under state jurisdiction, in accordance with Item 1 of the State List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
Zulkifli was responding in a written parliamentary reply to Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), who had sought details on the number of LGBT-related arrests over the four-year period and the actions taken by authorities.
He said the government remains committed to enforcing Shariah criminal laws, which cover not only LGBT-related cases but also offences such as musyahaqah (lesbian acts), sodomy and men impersonating women.
However, Zulkifli stressed that enforcement is not limited to arrests alone. In cases where individuals are suspected of involvement but evidence is insufficient, authorities may take alternative actions such as providing advice and counselling, or issuing orders to attend awareness and rehabilitation programmes related to offences against morality and Islamic teachings.
He added that the government also runs various outreach and missionary programmes, including special courses aimed at guiding individuals back to the community. Support is also offered to help them improve their livelihoods, including assistance in securing employment or starting businesses.
