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The Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) has announced that it would “no
longer tolerate indecent dressing” by women, both Muslim and non-Muslim.
<p>Public relations officer Mohd Azman Daham said that under local council by-laws
women who “dressed sexily or indecently” could be fined up to RM500.
</p>
<p>“Such outfits are prohibited here as it smears the reputation of Kota
Baru and affects its status as an Islamic City,” he said in an interview.
</p>
<p>He added that although punishment for indecent dressing was in place under
the by-laws, it had not been totally enforced. </p>
<p>“But now, MPKB will no longer tolerate skimpy outfits, following mounting
complaints from the public,” Mohd Azman said, adding that under the by-laws,
women working in retail outlets should wear decent clothes. </p>
<p>Council enforcement officers, he added, would step up checks in various localities.
</p>
<p>Mohd Azman said MPKB would focus on “suspicious areas”, especially
the shopping malls in Taman Hijau, Taman Uda and Taman Tengku Anis here. </p>
<p>The council had received complaints from ratepayers that certain shop assistants
and waitresses here donned sexy outfits, supposedly to woo more male customers.
</p>
<p>Under the standard dress code here, a Muslim women has to be covered until
the ankles and wear a tudung. Non-Muslim women are required to wear decent clothes.
</p>
<p>Tight-fitting tops and pants were not allowed, even for non-Muslims, Mohd Azman
said. </p>
<p>Mohd Azman said under the council by-laws, the owners of retail outlets who
employed indecently dressed workers could also be fined. </p>
<p>If the offence was repeated, the council could suspend the business permit
of the outlet, he added. </p>
<p>State Local Government Committee chairman Takiyuddin Hassan said the state
had not taken any tough action yet as, the MPKB had been more involved in generating
awareness about proper attire. </p>
<p>“We define proper attire as wearing respectful clothing,” he said.
</p>
<p>“We apologise to non-Muslims if this comes across as harsh but we must
respect our Asian culture and religion in public.” </p>
<p>He noted that “eye-popping” outfits invited undesirable attention.
</p>
<p>He urged the people to co-operate, especially those in the retail and restaurant
businesses. </p>
<p>Trader Che Suraya Hulaimi Sulaiman, 32, supported the council’s move, saying:
“Almost everywhere there are retail assistants or waitresses wearing sexy
clothes. </p>
<p>“This is an insult to Islam.”
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