It might be a safer option to wear some loose clothing when you visit Terengganu or Kelantan in the future.
Female patrons who were walking around a Ramadhan bazaar in Terengganu were instructed by authorities to “cover up” their tight pants by wearing a sarong.
In a related matter, a photo showing a “saman” issued by the Kelantan Syariah Court to a Malaysian citizen for “dressing in tight pants (berpakaian seluar ketat)” on 8th June (Wednesday) has been circulating on Facebook.
Some netizens stated that since its the holy month of Ramadhan, it is a must to respect yourself and others by dressing decently. A few netizens also explained that men who accidentally looked at the women would “gugur pahala”, which means the good deeds that has been accumulated would be lessened.
However, there were also some who responded ludicrously. A Facebook user, Lim Chee Yen, commented, “Next time, we’ll be stoned to death just for using Facebook (Lain kali, main facebook pun kena buang batu sampai mati).”
Terengganu has always been known as a rural, conservative east coast state. It is also home to Malaysia’s popular tourist destinations, namely the island resorts of Redang and Perhentian.
Last year, there were rumours that the state government was proposing a new dress code targeted at tourists, especially female tourists. Terengganu’s Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman later said that they have no plans on enforcing such rules, adding that the existing laws were sufficient to deal with indecent dressing.
Syariah courts are available in Malaysia, but the laws are only applicable for Muslims. The courts generally only have the sentencing power of up to RM5,000 fine, 6 lashes of the cane, and 3 years’ jail.
Do you think that it was a little too extreme to fine someone who wears tight clothing? Tell us what you think by leaving a comment in the comments box below.
UPDATE (10th June, 7:17pm):
We were just informed by a reader that the 2nd picture of the women being made to wear sarongs was in fact taken in Indonesia and not Terengganu, as previously thought. Thanks, @marhanisa_ for the heads up!
