Actor's suggestion on necessity of brothels for foreigners inappropriate, encourages immorality - Mufti

GEORGETOWN - The suggestion made by a popular actor regarding the necessity of brothels for foreign workers in Malaysia to satisfy their urge is inappropriate as it seems to encourage immorality in the country.

Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said to have a brothel in this country was contrary to Malaysia's position as a country that makes Islam the federal religion in the Constitution.

He said foreign workers needed to be informed about the matter and they must respect the Constitution and laws of the country that gave them the opportunity to earn a living.

"I am very surprised by the suggestion of the Muslim actor that a brothel be provided for foreign workers in this country. Such a suggestion is clearly an encouragement to immorality when many of the foreign workers are Muslims.

"Even non-Muslim workers should not be encouraged to engage in such degrading acts. Indeed, no religion approves of its followers falling into this disgraceful and damaging abyss," he said when contacted, today.

Wan Salim added that all Muslims knew that adultery is a heinous crime as it can lead to significant harm to individuals, families and society.

"Therefore, the Quran strongly forbids adultery, considering it a vile deed (fahisyah) and the worst path that humans can take in life.

"We should all help each other towards goodness and nobility. We should also remind foreign workers of the dangers of engaging in such heinous behavior and the adverse effects on all parties," he said.

He said it would be very challenging for the authorities to ensure that Muslims would not get involved in immorality if the suggestions made by the actor were implemented.

"No one can guarantee that the people in the country including Muslims, will not become customers of the proposed brothel. It is very difficult to control or prevent Muslims from getting involved in immorality.

"I agree that this proposal will not solve the problem but will invite more problems for Malaysia," he said.

Previously, veteran actor Datuk Rosyam Nor expressed his personal view on the necessity of brothels for foreign workers to satisfy their urge in the country.

The 57-year-old businessman said he felt that the service can help reduce the increasing number of rape cases involving foreigners.