MY reportedly urges public to call LGBTQ+ “deviant culture” to limit online visibility

The Malaysian public has reportedly been advised to use the term “deviant culture” instead of “LGBT” to avoid normalisation and limit algorithmic amplification of related content on social media platforms.

During Question Time in the Dewan Negara today (26 February), deputy minister in the prime minister’s department, religious affairs, Marhamah Rosli said frequent mentions of "LGBT" in speech or writing could increase the visibility of related content online, potentially giving the impression of promoting what she described as "deviant culture", reported Bernama.

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Marhamah comment was in response to senator Hussain Ismail who reportedly asked about monitoring efforts for closed-door programmes involving so-called deviant elements, such as the viral “Glamping with Pride” event.

"Glamping with Pride" was a two-day wellness retreat organised by Jejaka, an NGO focused on LGBTQ+ wellbeing. The private retreat promised campfire storytelling, peer-support sessions, health awareness and light-hearted activities such as a runway show. The event was later cancelled due to escalating safety concerns following death threats and backlash received from Malaysians, said Jejaka in a statement in January 2026.

Marhamah added that the event had been cancelled, stating that Selangor state authorities did not issue a permit to the organisers.

Meanwhile, on content regulation, Marhamah said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) maintains ongoing surveillance of social media platforms through its research division, focusing on material it classifies as deviant culture or teachings.

In addition, the department will be coordinating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to flag and seek takedowns of content or links considered to contravene existing laws and religious principles.

A+M has reached out for more information.

This follows Malaysia’s broader efforts to regulate LGBTQ+ content online. A few days ago, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told parliament that the country has blocked same-sex dating sites Grindr and Blued and is reviewing legal measures to limit the presence of LGBTQ+ dating apps on app stores, according to CNA.

Fahmi noted that MCMC has not yet received requests to remove the mobile versions of these apps, highlighting the challenge of regulating platforms owned by foreign companies. He added that control over apps on stores like Google Play and Apple Store is subject to the platforms’ own policies.

The commission is exploring legal avenues to curb applications that violate local laws, including those deemed to spread immoral content, exploit or abuse users, or pose threats to public safety. Measures could range from requesting content removal to restricting access or referring cases to enforcement agencies such as the police.

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