Sports events are intended to be a fun and healthy way for communities to bond and enjoy time together. However, some individuals may disregard the rules, potentially damaging the organiser’s reputation. Recently, Facebook user Mohd Latif Bin Talib shared several photos from the Pan Asia 2024 running event, which took place at Lotus Desaru Resort in Bandar Penawar, Johor, from 4th to 6th October.
The user expressed his disappointment and disgust regarding the behaviour of some participants, stating, “I assume that there were those from the [LGBTQ+] community based on their attire. What’s even worse is that, in the evening, there was a strange dance performance, and I suspected people were drinking as well,” he wrote in his post.
From the photos he uploaded, some participants—believed to be foreigners—were seen wearing dresses and rainbow-coloured socks during the run, with one man casually participating in nothing but a cardboard costume and a fundoshi (traditional Japanese undergarment). The post quickly attracted negative attention from netizens, who criticised the organiser and the state for allowing such an event to take place.
Shortly after the post went viral, Johor’s Menteri Besar, Dato Onn Hafiz, issued a statement to inform the public that the local police were contacted to investigate the incident. He also clarified that the viral event was not government-endorsed. According to a report by TV3, three unnamed individuals aged between 39 and 70 were arrested over the weekend. “The police have confiscated clothing and accessories believed to have been worn by the culprits during the event—a red sari, a red skirt, three silver cardboard pieces, and a prop silver spear,” Chief Officer Datuk M. Kumar stated. He added that the men tested negative for drugs and appeared to have no serious criminal records.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 14 of the Minor Offenses Act 1955 for insulting behaviour and Section 294 of the Penal Code for performing obscene acts in a public place. If found guilty, the offenders would be sentenced to a fine, 3 months imprisonment or both.
Here’s a clip of the controversial dance performance during the event:
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