Malaysian authorities have announced an investigation into a citizen who reportedly participated in a transgender beauty pageant in Thailand.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) said it would summon the participant for questioning after images from the competition were shared on social media.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jakim Director-General Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the department would work with state Islamic religious authorities and other relevant agencies to determine whether any action should be taken under existing laws and regulations.
He said the participant’s involvement in the pageant was “regrettable” and had generated public concern.
The Malaysian citizen is reported to have taken part in Miss Equality World 2026, a beauty pageant held in Thailand featuring contestants from a range of countries and territories, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, Vietnam, Brazil, Laos, Thailand, Mexico, the United States, Australia, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and France’s Réunion Island.
Although the Malaysian contestant did not win the overall title, they received the Best National Costume award.
Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan said the participant’s involvement had affected Malaysia’s image.
“Religious authorities will work with the relevant agencies to examine possible action under existing laws,” he said on Tuesday, according to state news agency Bernama.
Malaysia’s Islamic sharia laws apply to Muslim citizens and include provisions that prohibit gender non-conformity and wearing clothing deemed inconsistent with a person’s sex as recorded at birth. Penalties can include fines of up to 1,000 ringgit (approximately AUD$343) and imprisonment for up to one year.
