What was meant to be a two‑day wellness retreat recently ended up becoming headline news. “Glamping with Pride” was pitched as a two-day private retreat on 17-18 January, 2026 in Hulu Langat, Selangor, organised by Jejaka, an NGO focused on LGBTQ+ wellbeing.
The programme promised campfire storytelling, peer-support sessions, health awareness (including HIV education), and light-hearted activities like a “HIV Hunger Games” and a camp runway show. Registration was via a QR code.
Image Credit: Jejaka | Instagram
As the promo poster circulated, it drew immediate attention, and not all of it friendly. Within days, at least five police reports were lodged over the event’s advertising, and authorities began looking into possible offences under Section 504 of the Penal Code (intentional insult intended to provoke breach of peace) and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (improper use of network facilities/services).
PAS youth chief comments
PAS Youth leaders publicly condemned the retreat, saying it clashed with Islamic values and cultural norms. In widely shared comments, PAS Youth figures argued that hosting such a programme in a Muslim-majority district effectively “normalises deviant behaviour” and risks “corrupting moral values among youths.”
Image Credit: The Sun Malaysia
They urged local authorities and police to shut the event down and investigate the organisers and venue providers.
“This programme challenges our social norms and constitutes an open insult to the sanctity of Islam and the dignity of the Malay community.”
Organiser fires back
Jejaka pushed back, insisting the retreat was lawful and private. They highlighted the health and mental-health aspects, pointing out that such gatherings can be critical for HIV education, stigma reduction, and peer support, especially for communities that often avoid mainstream services due to fear or discrimination.
“We will proceed legally,” the organiser said in response to early objections, adding that it was “a private retreat focused on wellbeing, peer support, and health awareness,” not an open pride parade or political rally.
JAKIM issues warning
Image Credit: Harian Metro
This was followed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) issuing strong warnings with its Director-General, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, saying that such deviant sexual behaviour clearly contradicts religious principles and teachings, as well as moral values, civilisation, and the country’s legal framework.
“The authorities will not compromise on any organisation or implementation of programmes found to be contrary to Islamic teachings, and firm action will be taken in accordance with the laws currently in force,” he said.
Selangor Sultan issues royal decree
The decisive move came yesterday (12 January) when Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah issued a royal decree after an audience with MAIS (Selangor Islamic Religious Council) Chairman Datuk Salehuddin Saidin and Selangor Mufti Datuk Dr Anhar Opir.
“His Royal Highness does not consent to the organisation of any festivals, parades, activities, celebrations or promotions related to the LGBT lifestyle in any district in Selangor…. Any effort to promote or normalise LGBT practices contradicts the objectives of Islamic law.”
“Muslims, especially youths, should not follow Western lifestyles that endorse such practices under the banner of human rights. Not all human rights freedoms can be accepted or applied within Muslim communities if they contradict Islamic teachings," read the statement.
Image Credit: The Vibes
Following the decree, MAIS and the Mufti’s Department urged PDRM (police), JAIS, and local councils to block permits and monitor for any attempts to organise similar programmes, effectively shutting down the retreat and raising the bar for any future LGBTQ-linked events in Selangor.
Organisers announce cancellation of the event
Jejaka has announced today (13 January) that the “Glamping with Pride” programmed has been cancelled, citing safety concerns after the venue owner withdrew its booking.
It shared that it had received explicit threats, including death threats, through social media.
“These threats have been documented, and a police report will be lodged,” Jejaka said in a statement.
The NGO stressed the cancellation was not due to legal issues, but because “an environment was created in which reckless rhetoric, misinformation and fear-mongering made it unsafe for people to gather.”
“When words are used irresponsibly, they carry consequences, and in this case, those consequences place lives at risk,” it added.
Jejaka said the cancellation denied about 50 interested participants, up from 14 initially, a safe space to reduce health stigma. The group also criticised authorities and public figures for failing to de-escalate tensions, saying silence normalises intimidation.
“While this programme has been cancelled on safety grounds, we have not retreated from our values, principles or responsibility. This decision was made to protect lives, not to concede legitimacy to fear, intimidation or hate,” Jejaka said, adding that its work would continue in safe and responsible forms.
Featured Image Credit: Jejaka | Instagram, The Vibes, The Sun Malaysia
