The app, called Hotline Jais, was launched on Tuesday and is available for download from Google Play store on Android devices.
Jais director Haris Kasim told FMT that the app would enable the public to contact the department easily, making it harder for “wrongdoers” to carry out their activities.
“I believe many will find this app easy to use.
“Users can report any form of Shariah-related crimes, such as ‘khalwat’, devious teachings, religious talks without permits and other matters related to Islam,” Haris said.
The complainants however, must provide substantial information on the alleged wrongdoing, and need to fill up a form. Proof of the alleged crime, which can also include photographs, was required as well.
A check by FMT revealed that the app’s interface was easy to navigate. Although the current version does not have the complete specifications, it caters to its intended purpose, such as reporting Shariah crimes, quickly and efficiently.
Apart from acting as a place to lodge complaints, users of the app can also obtain information on anything related to Shariah law and Islam.
For questions that Jais cannot act on or answer, the app has a list or organisations that the user can approach to solve their queries.
Haris said the app would make the public realise that the onus on fighting “crime”, did not fall solely on the authorities’ shoulders, but members of the public as well.
Jais has in the past, courted controversy in its enforcement. This included its raid on a church following complaints of the proselytisation of Muslims, the seizure of the Malay language bible (Al-Kitab) from the Bible Society of Malaysia, as well as its raid on a closed-door event involving transgenders.