Authorities raid Malacca hotel after 'gay-friendly' claims
Published: Jan 13, 2026 9:25 PM
Updated: 1:11 AM
Authorities have carried out enforcement action against a hotel in Malacca today, following allegations that the establishment claimed to be “gay-friendly” in its marketing material.
Bernama reported that Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) and Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) jointly carried out the inspection after the issue went viral on social media yesterday.
The report quoted state Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs executive councillor Rahmad Mariman (above) saying that 37 rooms were inspected and no breaches were found under the Syariah Offences Enactment (State of Malacca) 1991.
“During a check on an unlocked room, it was found to be untidy, as if recently used, with two towels hanging and two boxes of condoms in the rubbish bin,” he said, adding that authorities were unable to identify the people involved since the room was vacant at the time.
Also absent during the operation was the hotel’s owner.
Bernama quoted Rahmad saying that the operation was carried out under Sections 56 (Sodomy), 57 (Attempted Sodomy) and 58 (Unnatural Sex) of the Syariah Offences Enactment (State of Malacca) 1991.
In addition, administrative action was taken by MPHTJ, including the seizure of the hotel’s license.
“The hotel was ordered to close for one day, and the owner of the premises was summoned to the MPHTJ to provide an explanation.
“Should the explanation be satisfactory, the licence will be returned; otherwise, further action may be taken,” he said.
Sarcastic remarks by preacher
Allegations of the “gay-friendly” hotel had gained traction on social media these past few days after Islamic preacher Firdaus Wong raised the matter.
Wong had sarcastically described the hotel’s branding as “creative”, drawing comparisons between “pet-friendly” and “family-friendly” businesses.
Updated: 1:11 AM
Authorities have carried out enforcement action against a hotel in Malacca today, following allegations that the establishment claimed to be “gay-friendly” in its marketing material.
Bernama reported that Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) and Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) jointly carried out the inspection after the issue went viral on social media yesterday.
The report quoted state Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs executive councillor Rahmad Mariman (above) saying that 37 rooms were inspected and no breaches were found under the Syariah Offences Enactment (State of Malacca) 1991.
“During a check on an unlocked room, it was found to be untidy, as if recently used, with two towels hanging and two boxes of condoms in the rubbish bin,” he said, adding that authorities were unable to identify the people involved since the room was vacant at the time.
Also absent during the operation was the hotel’s owner.
Bernama quoted Rahmad saying that the operation was carried out under Sections 56 (Sodomy), 57 (Attempted Sodomy) and 58 (Unnatural Sex) of the Syariah Offences Enactment (State of Malacca) 1991.
In addition, administrative action was taken by MPHTJ, including the seizure of the hotel’s license.
“The hotel was ordered to close for one day, and the owner of the premises was summoned to the MPHTJ to provide an explanation.
“Should the explanation be satisfactory, the licence will be returned; otherwise, further action may be taken,” he said.
Sarcastic remarks by preacher
Allegations of the “gay-friendly” hotel had gained traction on social media these past few days after Islamic preacher Firdaus Wong raised the matter.
Wong had sarcastically described the hotel’s branding as “creative”, drawing comparisons between “pet-friendly” and “family-friendly” businesses.
Firdaus Wong
"This branding is quite creative. If labels such as 'Muslim-friendly' can be monetised by businesses, what more with labels such as 'gay-friendly’ businesses'?” he was quoted as saying on his Facebook.
“What other creative ideas will appear next? Perhaps ‘pig-friendly’ or ‘LGBT-friendly’?
“'I thought the term ‘friendly’ only applied to sports (such as in ‘friendly matches’). But I did not expect the ‘gay’ label to also be ‘openly friendly’,” he added.
The preacher’s Facebook post attracted various reactions from social media users, including many who criticised the hotel and called for its boycott.
“Don’t normalise matters that aren't right... they (the LGBT community) are definitely doing things like this to test and see if Malaysians will protest,” a Facebook user was quoted as saying.
Another user also claimed that the hotel had received bad reviews, highlighting that it was “good” how the establishment had since gone viral on social media.
“Hopefully, Muslims will now decide against staying there,” the user said.
Jejaka’s event axed
Separately, earlier today, a local LGBT-rights group, Jejaka, announced the cancellation of its “Glamping with Pride” programme, citing death threats and safety concerns.
The group explained that the venue owner of the event had cancelled their booking after the event had gained nationwide controversy and attracted violent threats through social media.
Nevertheless, Jejaka reminded its critics that the programme cancellation was purely about safety, and not a change of its belief or mission.
"This branding is quite creative. If labels such as 'Muslim-friendly' can be monetised by businesses, what more with labels such as 'gay-friendly’ businesses'?” he was quoted as saying on his Facebook.
“What other creative ideas will appear next? Perhaps ‘pig-friendly’ or ‘LGBT-friendly’?
“'I thought the term ‘friendly’ only applied to sports (such as in ‘friendly matches’). But I did not expect the ‘gay’ label to also be ‘openly friendly’,” he added.
The preacher’s Facebook post attracted various reactions from social media users, including many who criticised the hotel and called for its boycott.
“Don’t normalise matters that aren't right... they (the LGBT community) are definitely doing things like this to test and see if Malaysians will protest,” a Facebook user was quoted as saying.
Another user also claimed that the hotel had received bad reviews, highlighting that it was “good” how the establishment had since gone viral on social media.
“Hopefully, Muslims will now decide against staying there,” the user said.
Jejaka’s event axed
Separately, earlier today, a local LGBT-rights group, Jejaka, announced the cancellation of its “Glamping with Pride” programme, citing death threats and safety concerns.
The group explained that the venue owner of the event had cancelled their booking after the event had gained nationwide controversy and attracted violent threats through social media.
Nevertheless, Jejaka reminded its critics that the programme cancellation was purely about safety, and not a change of its belief or mission.
The group also reiterated its earlier claims that the event was not illegal and was meant to be a harmless community gathering that was educational in nature.
On Jan 11, the Federal Territories Mufti Department advised organisers to cancel the programme scheduled to take place in Hulu Langat, Selangor, on Jan 17 and 18.
A day prior, police confirmed that a probe into the event had been opened after five police reports were lodged.
Yesterday, Bernama reported that Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had ordered state religious authorities to take firm action against any immoral activities involving what he described as deviant practices in the state.
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