Latest news with #DepartmentofIslamicDevelopmentMalaysia
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Teen troubles rising: Malaysia sees alarming spike in rape, incest & depression
KUALA LUMPUR: Social ills among the country's youth require close cooperation between the community and the government to prevent them from spreading, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said that based on last year's statistics, rape and incest cases involving adolescents had increased, with 252 cases reported compared to 206 in 2023. "Even more worrying is that nearly 91 per cent of these cases occurred with mutual consent between underage teenagers. "The sharp rise in rape and incest cases among minors is very alarming. If left unchecked, the country may face a severe social emergency that could destroy the future of the younger generation," he said here today. Mohd Na'im said this at the launch of the 2025 national-level Social Awareness Roadshow (J-KIS), which was also attended by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee. On the issue of depression among youths, Mohd Na'im said that if not addressed, it could lead to serious consequences, including contributing to suicide cases. He said records showed that such cases increased to 1,087 in 2023 from 981 in the previous year. At the same time, Mohd Na'im expressed hope that the J-KIS programme launched today, and similar initiatives, could be expanded to create a lasting impact on society. Meanwhile, Sirajuddin said the J-KIS programme is aimed at enhancing knowledge and awareness among youths on social issues through engaging sessions. Among the sessions organised were 'Jiwa Kacau: Kongsi atau Pendam?','Mengurus Medsos', 'Anda, Dakwah & LGBT' as well as 'Pengantunan Seksual (Sexual Grooming)', presented by experts and experienced speakers to over 800 participants. "This programme is in line with the government's aspirations through the Islam Mekar di Bumi Malaysia (Islam flourishes in Malaysia) framework, which emphasises holistic, integrity-driven, and responsible human development in driving the country's progress," he said. The J-KIS programme is organised by Jakim in collaboration with several agencies, including the Education Ministry, Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) and Selangor Education Departments, and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP). – BERNAMA
Barnama
a day ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Close Cooperation Required In Tackling Social Ills Among Youth
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Social ills among the country's youth require close cooperation between the community and the government to prevent them from spreading, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said that based on last year's statistics, rape and incest cases involving adolescents have increased, with 252 cases reported compared to 206 in 2023. 'Even more worrying is that nearly 91 per cent of these cases occurred with mutual consent between underage teenagers. 'The sharp rise in rape and incest cases among minors is very alarming. If left unchecked, the country may face a severe social emergency that could destroy the future of the younger generation,' he said here today. Mohd Na'im said this at the launch of the 2025 national-level Social Awareness Roadshow (J-KIS), which was also attended by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee. On the issue of depression among youths, Mohd Na'im said that if not addressed, it could lead to serious consequences, including contributing to suicide cases. He said records showed that such cases increased to 1,087 in 2023 from 981 in the previous year. At the same time, Mohd Na'im expressed the hope that the J-KIS programme launched today, and similar initiatives, could be expanded to create a lasting impact on society. Meanwhile, Sirajuddin said the J-KIS programme is aimed at enhancing knowledge and awareness among youths on social issues through engaging sessions.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Halal Auditors Must Be Fair And Integrity-Driven - Mohd Na'im
BANGI, July 29 (Bernama) – The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has called on halal auditors to carry out their responsibilities with full integrity and fairness, regardless of the background or size of the company. Speaking to reporters after officiating the Malaysian Auditor Convention 2025, he emphasised the important role auditors play as the front line in ensuring compliance with halal standards. Any negligence or unfairness could tarnish the image of Islam and religious institutions. 'Fairness must be upheld without differentiating the position of applicants seeking halal certification. This is the role that needs to be fulfilled. 'I stress the issue of halal sustenance (avoiding involvement in corruption or abuse of power),' he said. He highlighted that justice should be the key principle in the auditing process, including rejecting any form of bribery or preferential treatment towards companies based on their brand or status. 'Sometimes, it's not directly requested, but we make things difficult for applicants, leading them to believe auditors expect rewards. Intentions must be correct. Do not accept any form of gifts from halal certificate applicants,' he added. He also reminded the over 300 auditors certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to maintain ethical standards and protect the reputation of the institution to strengthen efforts to ensure halal sustenance. 'Never get involved in accepting any form of gift from companies seeking halal certification. I hope this principle is instilled in all 300 auditors who received certification today,' he added. The inaugural convention organised by JAKIM gathered 200 halal auditors from across the country, with the theme 'Halal Malaysia, A Catalyst for MADANI Economy.'
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zafrul: Halal certification a 'red line' in US trade talks
KUALA LUMPUR: Halal certification is one of Malaysia's non-negotiable issues, or "red lines", in ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said several discussions with the relevant ministries and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) on the recognition of halal certificates issued by the US have also been conducted. Any agreement on the matter, he said, must be in line with Jakim's standards. "The issue of halal certification is also one of our red lines, for example, the recognition of halal certificates from the US. "Guidelines have been developed based on past experience and in consultation with the US. "If they follow Jakim's requirements and maintain similar standards to those adopted in other countries, then we can consider accepting them. But the recognition must come from Jakim," he said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Tengku Zafrul was responding to a supplementary question from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok), who asked for further clarification on the red lines outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on tariffs imposed by the US. Anwar had said Malaysia will not compromise on its national policies in trade negotiations, even as discussions with the US on proposed tariffs continue. He said the government had drawn a clear red line to protect its policies, including those that provide opportunities for local companies and uphold the Bumiputera agenda. Commenting further, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia will remain firm in defending its core economic policies, not only with the US but also with international companies. He said such a principle is essential to protect Bumiputera interests and to ensure the country's economic development remains balanced. "While we maintain a proactive and open stance in negotiations, we have also identified the red lines, non-negotiable issues, which were recently agreed upon at the cabinet level," he said. He also cited the National Trade Estimate Report released by the US, which highlighted several Malaysian policies, including local equity requirements in government procurement as trade barriers. "They raised concerns over Malaysia's government procurement policies and local equity requirements, which they argue affect market access. They also said their market is open, so why isn't ours? "Intellectual property protection is also a recurring agenda item in efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. "As such, we must stand firm in defending our key policies, including those related to ownership, procurement, and the sovereignty of our trade policies."
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
JAKIM investigates hospital catering firm without halal certification
NILAI: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is investigating the appointment of a catering company without halal certification to supply meals at a hospital. Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee stated that JAKIM is gathering detailed information to address the issue collaboratively. Sirajuddin clarified that JAKIM only became aware of the matter after it was highlighted in the Auditor-General's Report. He emphasised that the Ministry of Finance requires all food suppliers to have halal certification and urged agencies to verify certification before appointing vendors. JAKIM is prepared to assist companies in obtaining halal certification. Sirajuddin also noted that some Bumiputera businesses mistakenly believe their Muslim status exempts them from certification, stressing the need for mindset change. Last year, JAKIM received 19,686 halal certification applications, with a majority from non-Bumiputera firms. Sirajuddin highlighted Malaysia's global halal recognition, with certification accepted in 47 countries through 85 foreign bodies. - Bernama
