Malaysia intends to print and distribute translated Qurans around the world to counter Islamophobia

Malaysia has set aside more than $2 million in the 2023 budget to counter Islamophobia by translating and printing the Quran in several languages and distributing copies internationally.

Of the copies that will be printed under the plan, 20,000 will be sent to Sweden where a far-right politician recently burned the Muslims’ holy book on at least two occasions.

The 10 million ringgit ($2.2 million) plan is meant to create a better understanding of Islam, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told news agencies after an event titled “International Forum on Islamophobia,” which was held in the administrative capital, Putrajaya.

Anwar said the translations, publication and distribution will show wisdom and maturity in the face of unnecessary attacks on Islam.

Swedish-Danish politician Rasmus Paludan publicly burned the Quran in Sweden last month – on Jan. 21 during a protest, and on Jan. 27, in front of the Turkish embassy.

Anwar had condemned the acts, saying there was a need to educate non-Muslims.