KUALA LUMPUR – The nation’s non-Muslims can still lodge reports with authorities such as police or the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission over any 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues, despite not having a specific hotline similar to the one for Muslims.
Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this in response to questions regarding the Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) newly formed 24-hour hotline set up for reports on insults against Islam and why there was not one for other religions.
Aaron said the new hotline was merely one of many ways that people could lodge reports regarding 3R issues.
He said that although Jakim’s hotline was specific to Muslims, his ministry would still monitor the raising of sensitive issues via its e-Sepakat database.
“If an issue becomes more heated, we have mediators who will mediate between the conflicting parties,” he told a press conference following the launch of the Ningyo Exhibition: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls programme and Aidilfitri celebration at the National Museum this afternoon.
The e-Sepakat system is the main data collection centre for the management of unity issues and works as a mechanism for detecting, monitoring and reporting such issues digitally.
Previously, e-Sepakat detected a total of 47 issues related to the 3Rs in the first quarter of this year, compared to 21 issues in the same period last year.
“There are a few actions to be taken, which are mediation to resolve issues between two parties, and secondly, we will conduct unity programmes in high-risk areas.
“For example, Shah Alam is a hotspot for racial conflicts, so that area will be the focus of our intervention programmes. That’s how we reduce and tackle the spike in cases,” he said.
When launching the 24-hour hotline on May 2, Jakim said members of the public could make reports through WhatsApp at 017-323-4533 or through email at [email protected].
Jakim will first scrutinise the validity of these complaints before informing the relevant state religious authority to take action if needed.
The launch of the hotline comes after several incidents involving alleged insults against Islam, including the highly publicised Allah-labelled socks at some KK Mart convenience stores and a similar-appearing label found on the sole of high-heel shoes by the local brand Vern’s. – May 7, 2024