CRACKPOT RULES: Under fire, Jakim says entertainment guidelines not compulsory

PUTRAJAYA - The Malaysian Islamic Religious Development Department (Jakim) said today that its entertainment guidelines which imposed restrictions on live acts in Malaysia was merely a guideline and will not be made compulsory.

Director-general of Jakim Datuk Othman Mustapha reiterated today that the guidelines were in place to educate the entertainment industry and not to restrict.

“Don’t have,” he said during a press conference at the Jakim headquarters today when asked if there would be any enforcement should event organisers violate the guidelines.

“This is to educate the entertainment industry and is not intended as law. To restrict, not at all. They are guidelines, volunteer basis only. We encourage it,” he said. - Malay Mail