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ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXX December 2025 | Special Issue
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Regulatory Framework for Digital Publication of Quranic Texts in
Malaysia: An Analysis of the Kdn 2024 Guidelines and Implications
for Mashaf Standardization
Mohd Mustaffami Imas
1*
, Ahmad Zamani Nawi
2
Faculty of General Studies and Advanced Education Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia
*Corresponding author
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.930000063
Received: 11 December 2025; Accepted: 19 December 2025; Published: 27 December 2025
ABSTRACT
The advancement of digital technology has transformed how society accesses and reads the Quran, leading to an
increase in the publication of digital mushafs through various platforms such as mobile applications and web
browsers. In Malaysia, the enforcement of the Quranic Text Printing Act 1986 (Amendment 2023) and the
Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) Guidelines serve as the primary framework for regulating the authenticity and
accuracy of Quranic text publications. This article analyzes the Guidelines for Application for Digital Publication
of Quranic Texts (2024) as the latest policy document governing the technical, shariah, and operational aspects
of digital mushaf production. The analysis focuses on the regulatory structure, the role of the Quranic Text
Printing Control and Licensing Board (LPPPQ), and standardization challenges, particularly in visual and
pedagogical contexts such as tajwid color codes. The study finds that the guidelines emphasize textual accuracy,
adherence to Uthmani rasm, requirements for consulting panels, and the control of publication metadata.
However, the aspect of visual standardization still needs further elaboration. This article proposes improvements
to ensure uniformity, reliability, and effectiveness of digital mushafs in Malaysia.
Keywords: Digital mushaf, KDN 2024 Guidelines, LPPPQ, tajwid color codes, standardization.
INTRODUCTION
The digitalization of the Quran is rapidly advancing in line with the daily use of smart devices and mobile
applications by Muslims, and global trends show a significant increase in the adoption of digital mushafs by the
younger generation (Amanullah, 2021; Farid & Rahman, 2022). Unlike printed mushafs, which have been
strictly regulated since 1986, digital mushafs initially operated within a loose regulatory space, leading to issues
of version discrepancies, textual inaccuracies, advertising interference, and visual inconsistencies (Ismail, 2020;
Karim et al., 2021). Recognizing the need for more comprehensive regulation, KDN, through LPPPQ, issued the
Guidelines for Application for Digital Publication of Quranic Texts (2024) as an official reference document for
refining the publication of digital mushafs (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024).
These guidelines detail the application procedures, content requirements, rasm usage, audio regulation,
translation and tafsir, as well as the preparation of digital proofs. Discussions on digital mushaf standardization
are also in line with international research findings that emphasize the need for textual integrity, visual
consistency, and metadata regulation of digital mushafs (Al-Qahtani, 2019; Abdullah & Yusuf, 2021; Mukhtar,
2023). This article analyzes the content of these guidelines and links them to the issue of mushaf standardization,
including visual pedagogical aspects such as tajwid color codes, which have been proven to affect
comprehension and learning retention rates (Ng et al., 2024; Wan Daud & Latif, 2023).
Furthermore, the regulation of digital mushaf publication in Malaysia is shaped by a robust legal framework:
1. The Quranic Text Printing Act 1986 (Amendment 2023) governs all forms of publication, printing, and
distribution of Quranic texts. The 2023 amendment expands the scope of the act to digital platforms (online
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXX December 2025 | Special Issue
Page 496
www.rsisinternational.org
and offline), audio and video, mobile applications, and all forms of Quranic materials (Jabatan Peguam
Negara Malaysia, 2023; Mahmud, 2022; Shukri, 2023).
2. The role of the Quranic Text Printing Control and Licensing Board (LPPPQ) as the authoritative body
ensures the integrity of mushafs in Malaysia. LPPPQ's main tasks include approving correct proofs,
determining permissible rasm and khat, setting requirements for consulting panels, and providing technical
guidelines for digital platforms (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024; Ghazali, 2021; Nordin & Salleh, 2022).
With this combination of legal framework and regulatory institutions, the publication of digital mushafs is under
more systematic supervision, minimizing the risk of textual inaccuracies and technical errors, in line with
contemporary researchers' recommendations on global digital Quran standardization (Rahman & Hashim, 2023;
Al-Faruqi, 2020; Khan, 2022). This ensures compliance with shariah and pedagogical standards, and strengthens
public trust in digital mushafs as a modern medium for Quranic learning (Zulkifli & Hamid, 2024).
LITERATURE REVIEW
The digitalization of the Quran has become a central focus in contemporary studies as it transforms how Muslims
access, read, and learn the Quran. Previous studies indicate that digital Quran applications enhance accessibility
and facilitate users in reviewing recitations, but also pose challenges in terms of textual accuracy and visual
consistency (Diachenko et al., 2022; She et al., 2021; Alwi et al., 2013). This inconsistency issue is more
pronounced when Quranic texts are displayed across various platforms, where digital versions often differ from
official printed mushafs, posing risks of reading errors and confusion for novice users (Radzid et al., 2023; Md
Amin et al., 2022).
In the pedagogical context, the use of tajwid color codes has been widely discussed as a visual aid to facilitate
learning Quranic recitation. A study by She et al. (2021) shows that systematic coloring of specific letters and
verses helps students identify recitation rules such as idgham, ikhfa’, and mad more quickly, thereby improving
comprehension and reading accuracy. However, studies also emphasize that the absence of national standards
leads to variations in color usage among publishers, which can cause confusion for readers transitioning between
printed and digital mushafs (Hassan, 2022; Sihes et al., 2023).
In terms of legislation and regulation, Malaysia has maintained a strict regulatory framework for the publication
of Quranic texts through the Quranic Text Printing Act 1986 (Amendment 2023) and the involvement of LPPPQ.
The main emphasis is on textual accuracy, approval by consulting panels, and adherence to Uthmani rasm,
including for digital platforms and mobile applications (Jabatan Peguam Negara Malaysia, 2023; Kementerian
Dalam Negeri, 2024). However, the literature indicates that visual aspects such as tajwid coloring and digital
rasm standardization are still less formally discussed in legal documents, opening avenues for further research
in ensuring pedagogical uniformity (Karomah et al., 2020; Shaharuddin et al., 2024; Hussain & Ghaffar, 2025).
Previous studies emphasize that the production of digital mushafs not only requires legal and shariah compliance
but also the integration of qiraat scholarship and pedagogical design. This combination is crucial to ensure that
Quranic texts displayed on digital platforms are authentic, consistent, and user-friendly (Diachenko et al., 2022;
She et al., 2021; Traditional to Digital…, 2025; Ismail, Mustafa, Shaharuddin, Yahaya, & Razali,
2023). This literature review provides the theoretical and conceptual basis for analyzing the KDN 2024
Guidelines, particularly concerning textual accuracy, visual standardization, and the pedagogical integrity of
digital mushafs in Malaysia.
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze the Guidelines for Application for Digital
Publication of Quranic Texts (KDN, 2024) and related documents such as the Quranic Text Printing Act 1986
(Amendment 2023). This method allows researchers to deeply examine the content of legal documents and
official guidelines, and to identify the principles, procedures, and conditions stipulated for the publication of
digital mushafs (Radzid et al., 2023; Md Amin et al., 2022). This approach is suitable for studies focusing on
policy analysis and its implications for the visual and pedagogical standardization of digital mushafs
(Shaharuddin et al., 2024; Hussain & Ghaffar, 2025).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXX December 2025 | Special Issue
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Data was collected through systematic document analysis. Key documents were analyzed according to categories
such as application requirements, textual provisions, translation and tafsir content, audio content, and procedures
and documentation. The analysis also emphasized visual aspects, including the use of Uthmani rasm and tajwid
color codes, to assess the extent to which the guidelines support the standardization of digital mushafs in
Malaysia (Hassan, 2022; Sihes et al., 2023). Researchers took notes, mapped themes, and systematically coded
information to identify patterns and shortcomings in the guidelines (Karomah et al., 2020).
Additionally, this study utilized a descriptive comparative analysis method to evaluate the uniformity between
digital guidelines and printed mushaf publication practices (Radzid et al., 2023; Md Amin et al., 2022). This
comparison involved visual aspects, page structure, and adherence to Uthmani rasm to assess the extent to which
the KDN 2024 guidelines impact pedagogical consistency and user experience (Shaharuddin et al., 2024;
Hussain & Ghaffar, 2025).
Data validity was ensured through source triangulation, by referring to official documents from KDN, the
Quranic Text Printing Act, and LPPPQ technical guidelines (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024; Radzid et al.,
2023). The analysis was conducted critically, emphasizing implications for digital mushaf standardization,
shariah compliance, and textual reliability (Traditional to Digital…, 2025; Ismail et al., 2023). This method
allows the study to provide relevant recommendations for improving guidelines and national standards for digital
mushafs in Malaysia (Shaharuddin et al., 2024).
FINDINGS
Analysis of the Guidelines for Application for Digital Publication of Quranic Texts indicates that digital
publishers are required to comply with strict conditions before approval can be granted. Publishers must be
registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), wholly owned by Muslims, and have at least
two certified Quranic Consulting Panels with tahfiz and qiraat qualifications and a KDN Consulting Panel
Professionalism Certificate (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024; Hamid & Yusuf, 2023; Osman & Saad, 2020).
These requirements emphasize that the production of digital mushafs is not merely a technical publishing
process, but also necessitates the involvement of experts to ensure textual accuracy and authenticity (Karim &
Roslan, 2022; She et al., 2021).
Regarding Quranic text provisions, the guidelines emphasize the use of Uthmani rasm as determined by LPPPQ,
with reference to the Mujamma‘ Malik Fahd mushaf (Madinah) including the official Naskh script (Jabatan
Peguam Negara Malaysia, 2023; Karim & Roslan, 2022). Visual displays other than Arabic are not permitted on
the main text, while colored displays must comply with the Colored Tajwid and Colored Waqaf & Ibtida’
Marking Guidelines (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024; Hassan, 2022; Ayub & Rahman, 2019). The digital page
structure is also clearly defined, including Surah al-Fatihah starting on the right display and the division of juz’
according to a system of 20 pages per juz’ with 15 lines per page (She et al., 2021; Omar & Aziz, 2019).
For translation and tafsir content, all translations must obtain JAKIM approval and use Tafsir Pimpinan
arRahman as the primary reference. Such translations must be accompanied by the Arabic text and cannot be
published as translations only (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024; Al-Azami, 2003). Furthermore, audio content
of Quranic recitation must use the Hafs ‘an ‘Asim narration as the standard; other narrations are permitted but
must be clearly stated (Al-Qattan, 2020; She et al., 2021).
The application procedure requires complete documentation, including copies of identity cards, SSM documents,
appointment of consulting panels, JAKIM approval (if applicable), consulting panel proof reports (Form B1),
and five copies of the final digital application proof (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024; Hamid & Yusuf, 2023).
These requirements indicate that the guidelines emphasize high diligence and compliance in the digital mushaf
publication process (Osman & Saad, 2020; Razak & Latif, 2023).
DISCUSSION
These findings indicate that the guidelines emphasize textual and rasm uniformity to ensure the integrity of the
Quran is maintained in an easily manipulated digital environment (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, 2024; Karim &
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXX December 2025 | Special Issue
Page 498
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Roslan, 2022). The emphasis on textual accuracy proves that the regulation of digital publications is not merely
a formality, but a strategic effort to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the content (Hamid & Yusuf, 2023;
Osman & Saad, 2020).
Although compliance with the Colored Tajwid Guidelines is mandatory, this document is not fully detailed, and
the lack of national standards potentially affects the pedagogical consistency of tajwid, complicates matters for
novice users, and disrupts coordination between printed and digital mushafs (Hassan, 2022; Ayub & Rahman,
2019; Omar & Aziz, 2019). This issue poses a challenge in ensuring a uniform user experience between digital
platforms and physical prints (El-Farr & Salama, 2021; She et al., 2021).
Furthermore, the prohibition of non-shariah-compliant advertisements in Quranic applications affirms the
shariah identity of Malaysian digital mushafs. This approach differs from some international applications that
feature random advertisements, which could potentially affect the etiquette of reading the Quran and user
experience (Farhani & Wahab, 2022; Razak & Latif, 2023).
Finally, the expertise of consulting panels is a crucial factor in ensuring textual accuracy and authenticity. The
involvement of qiraat and tahfiz experts not only guarantees textual accuracy but also enhances the credibility
and professionalism of digital mushaf publications (She et al., 2021; Karim & Roslan, 2022; Hamid & Yusuf,
2023). This underscores that the production of digital mushafs requires a combination of technical competence
and shariah scholarship to achieve authentic standards (Diachenko et al., 2022; Ghanem, 2020; Yusof & Khalid,
2018).
CONCLUSION
This study affirms that the Guidelines for Application for Digital Publication of Quranic Texts (KDN, 2024)
provide a clear regulatory framework for the publication of digital mushafs in Malaysia. The guidelines
emphasize adherence to Uthmani rasm, textual accuracy, approval by consulting panels, and meticulous
application procedures. This approach enables the production of authentic digital mushafs that align with shariah
principles, thereby enhancing the credibility and reliability of digital publications in the country.
However, the study found shortcomings in the aspect of visual standardization, particularly concerning tajwid
color codes and waqaf & ibtida’ markings. This lack of national standards potentially affects pedagogical
uniformity for users, especially students and novice readers who use digital applications as a learning medium.
Therefore, improvements in visual aspects are crucial to ensure that digital mushafs can be harmonized with
official printed mushafs, facilitating the transition between digital and print formats.
The first recommendation is to develop a single national standard for tajwid color codes, with the involvement
of qiraat, tahfiz, and pedagogical experts. This standard should not only consistently define colors and the
meaning of recitation rules but also provide pedagogical rationale to help users understand the function of each
color. The implementation of this standard will strengthen visual uniformity across all digital platforms and
Quranic applications in Malaysia.
Additionally, harmonization between digital and printed mushafs is recommended to ensure consistent page
structure, rasm, and waqaf & ibtida’ markings. This approach will help users reduce confusion when transitioning
between media, thereby enhancing a smoother learning and reading experience. Furthermore, enforcement
against international applications offering Quranic texts in Malaysia needs to be strengthened. All foreign
applications should undergo LPPPQ review before being promoted, to ensure textual authenticity and adherence
to shariah principles.
Finally, the transparency of publication metadata needs to be expanded, where every digital application must
display publisher information, address, certification reference number, qiraat narration, and last update date. This
step not only enhances the credibility of the application but also facilitates users in making references and
assessing the authenticity of the digital mushaf. Overall, these improvements will ensure that digital mushafs in
Malaysia are not only authentic in terms of text and shariah but also consistent in visual and pedagogical aspects,
in line with user needs and national standards.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXX December 2025 | Special Issue
Page 499
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This research was conducted with appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for
providing funding support through the Fundamental Research Grant
Scheme(FRGS/1/2023/SSI13/UNISZA/03/2).
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