KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 13 -- The state government has instructed the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) to investigate claims that a hotel in the state is operating under a "gay-friendly" concept, following a surge of social media attention since yesterday.

State Executive Councillor for Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs, Datuk Rahmad Mariman, said an official statement would be issued after the investigation is completed, according to a report in Harian Metro today.

"I have directed JAIM to look into these allegations," he said when contacted.

The issue was raised in a social media post by independent preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung, who questioned the trend of businesses using "friendly" labels as a marketing strat...