The local government, housing and health committee chairman said it is part of the state’s efforts to educate the public to stay away from behaviour that contradicts religious values and societal norms.

“We want the public to ‘hate’ homosexual behaviour. We want them to think it is dirty, wrong and should be avoided,” Sinar Harian reported him as saying today.

The signboard was recently put up across the road from the main entrance and exit of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in Kuala Terengganu.

It features two male stick figures holding hands, surrounded by flames and a crossed-out heart, alongside a Quranic verse and a message condemning same-sex relations.

Wan Sukairi said the signboard is a constant reminder for the public, especially in areas frequented by youth, including higher education institution students.

On Thursday, a local academic speaking to FMT on condition of anonymity, questioned why the signboard was placed at such a prominent position.

Transgender activist Nisha Ayub also condemned the signboard, calling it a “dangerous endorsement of hate” and a clear example of institutionalised discrimination.

Nisha said the signboard not only enforces hatred towards a minority group, but also implicitly encourages bullying, which could lead to violence.