Fuziah Salleh, the deputy minister in charge of Islamic affairs, said this was because transgenders could cause panic, particularly among women, if they entered female toilets.

She said it would also address transgenders’ fear of using men’s toilets.

“They are psychologically women trapped in men’s bodies. They do not feel safe visiting the men’s toilet, but their presence in a female toilet can also create discomfort among women.

“I try to understand them. We all have to use the toilet. So to me, the solution at present is for them to use the toilet for the disabled, until such time society is accommodating of them,” she told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

Last week, Mujahid Yusof Rawa emerged from a meeting with transgender activist Nisha Ayub saying he did not think it was a problem if a transgender chose to use the female toilet.

“Does it bother you if she (Nisha) goes to the female toilet because she looks like a female?” he asked.

The minister in charge of Islamic affairs has since apologised for the remarks, saying they created confusion.

Mujahid previously criticised discrimination against transgenders in jobs and public places, saying the community had been wrongfully lumped together with lesbians, gays and bisexuals.

From toilet to jobs, Mujahid pledges to make life better for transgenders