Minister calls for Islamic book publishers to verify content accuracy amid probe into negligence cases, says new council to be formed.
PUTRAJAYA: All authors and publishers of Islamic books have been urged to ensure the accuracy, originality and authenticity of their content following concerns over negligence in the publication of Islamic materials currently under investigation by the authorities, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said.
He said the government strongly encourages the publication of new works on Islamic subjects, but stressed that the originality and authenticity of their content must be given due attention.
“We view this matter very seriously, particularly cases involving negligence by authors whose published works contain errors.
“This is a very important issue, and we will seek to strengthen our monitoring efforts. Insya-Allah, we will examine the matter more thoroughly to determine what further measures can be taken,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the 2026 National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, here today.
Zulkifli was commenting on claims that a newly published book by social media influencer contained errors in its quotation of Quranic verses, prompting criticism from netizens and calls for the book to be withdrawn from the market.
He said the government had noted that the author had recently apologised, but stressed that such incidents must not be repeated in the future.
“Insya-Allah, we will obtain a report from JAKIM (the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia),” he said.
In this regard, he said the government has decided to establish an Islamic book publishing council as part of efforts to further strengthen Malaysia’s Islamic scholarly publishing industry.
On June 3, Zulkifli said the council would be established in the near future, bringing together publishers to serve as a platform for exploring collaboration, sharing ideas and driving a new wave of high-impact Islamic book publishing in Malaysia.
