KUALA LUMPUR – The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) is working with the relevant authorities to verify allegations that elements of worship were incorporated into international singer The Weeknd’s concert at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last week.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said Jakim’s Research Division was liaising with the secretariat of the Central Agency Committee for Filming and Foreign Artiste Performance Application Guidelines (PUSPAL) to establish the facts surrounding the claims.
He stressed that Islam strictly prohibits any form of worship directed at anyone other than Allah, adding that artistic performances must not compromise religious sensitivities or create confusion over matters of faith and morality.
“Islam strictly prohibits any form of worship directed at anyone other than Allah SWT.
“All parties must ensure that artistic performances do not cause confusion over matters of faith, morality and religious sensitivities in Malaysia,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Zulkifli said the ongoing engagement with PUSPAL would also establish whether the concert had complied with the conditions imposed on the performance.
He added that firm action would be taken in accordance with the law should any breaches be established through verified facts.
“Firm action based on the law and verified facts will be taken to ensure that all performances by local and foreign artistes continue to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, as well as public order,” he said.
The concert, part of The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour, was held at the National Stadium on November 4 and 5, featuring Japanese acts Creepy Nuts and Yousuke Yukimatsu as guest performers.
However, the shows attracted controversy on social media over their stage visuals, particularly a giant golden female robot sculpture designed by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama.
The appearance of the sculpture, alongside performers dressed in red hooded robes, prompted speculation among sections of the public that the visuals carried ritualistic or worship-related symbolism, sparking debate over their religious implications.
Jakim’s engagement with PUSPAL is expected to help establish whether the allegations have any factual basis and whether the performance breached any of the stipulated guidelines. – November 9, 2026