Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is willing to provide advice to artistes and those in the creative industry who want an explanation on the Shariah-compliant entertainment guidelines issued by the department recently.

"Jakim believes that the guidelines will be a reference point for all parties, including those in the creative industry, so that the work they produce are in line with Islamic teachings and will not impact the society negatively," said the department's human development deputy director, Datuk Razali Shahbudin.

The guidelines were first approved during the 68th National Fatwa Committee Conference held on April 12, 2005, and was first published in 2007.

It was then revised to accommodate the developments in the entertainment industry in 2014.

The latest addition was approved during the 107th National Fatwa Committee Conference held last February.

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Among the rules included in the guidelines was the gender segregation for performers and audience, and that jokes made during performances must be appropriate and cannot lead to "excessive laughter".

Jakim also stressed that music and lyrics should not boast any elements of "worship" which are considered sacred to believers of other religions.

The guideline can be downloaded on Jakim’s website.