The gender segregation guidelines issued by Jakim serves only as a reference and is not forced on anyone, said its director Datuk Othman Mustapha.

He added the guidelines are to help event organisers package their events according to Syariah requirements.

“We only want to instill the understanding among the people on the types of entertainment accepted in Islam,” he said at a media conference today.

He said Jakim had printed a second edition of the guidelines, an improved version of the one released in 2007 which takes into account the current entertainment world.

READ: Jakim guideline can become a human rights issue - Event organiser

Othman said Jakim was satisfied with the response it received so far over the guidelines.

“Many people including artistes and directors had referred to us before carrying out their programmes. And we encourage such actions,” he added.

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