Brothel blunder: Suggest responsibly, keep it appropriate

WHO doesn't know Datuk Rosyam Nor?

His prowess in the acting world is undeniable.

This legendary figure has won four Anugerah Skrin awards and five at the Festival Filem Malaysia.

Rosyam is also one of the actors active in business, thus becoming an exemplary icon among the youth.

In addition to being a well-known celebrity in the country, he also frequently organises and participates in humanitarian and Islamic activities.

However, things took a different turn when his name was mentioned from a negative perspective after expressing his opinion on brothels for foreign nationals.

Rosyam, whose real name is Mohamed Noor Shamsuddin, 57, is alleged to have said that the proposal voiced in the podcast aimed to reduce sexual crimes involving foreign nationals in Malaysia.

Following the viral video on the Hitam Putih Kehidupan podcast on TikTok, various parties, including the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar came forward to criticise, stating that the celebrity's proposal contradicts the country's civil and Syariah laws.

Prostitution is a serious crime in Islamic law, falling under the category of hudud.

Prostitution and debauchery activities are offences specified under Sections 372, 372A, 372B and 373 of the Penal Code.

So, where is the positive side of establishing a brothel?

Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad firmly declared that Rosyam's spontaneous suggestion invites disaster to the country.

If a brothel is established, it seems to encourage vice activities and is highly prohibited in Islam.

Such sinful activities can undermine the institution of family and tarnish Malaysia's name as an Islamic country that is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

However, Rosyam has already apologised and clarified that the viral suggestion was part of a recording or video promo for his podcast programme.

Not expecting his light-hearted remark to be heavily criticised, the KL Gangster film protagonist also urged everyone to watch the entire podcast recording, which discusses the issue of pornography.