Malaysia's Terengganu State plans dress code for non-Muslims

Asian Political News, Jan 12, 2004

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 5 Kyodo

Non-Muslim Malaysians working in opposition-ruled Terengganu State can no longer wear miniskirts or long skirts with slits under a dress code to be introduced by the state Islamic government, the New Straits Times reported Monday.

The fundamentalist Pan Islamic Party (PAS), which has ruled the state since 1999, wants to extend the ban on figure hugging or revealing dresses to all, including those working in the private sector.

''The PAS government will not tolerate females, including those from different religions, wearing such clothes during working hours,'' said Sulaiman Abdullah, president of the state capital's Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council and a senior PAS member.

Muslims have to adhere to an Islamic dress code that entails wearing the headscarves and loose clothing.

Sulaiman said a circular on the dress code would be distributed to all businesses and employers.

Those who fail to adhere to the policy risk losing their license or being fined a maximum 250 ringgit (about $66).

''Action will be taken against employers who fail to comply...employers will be responsible for making sure their female workers dress appropriately,'' Sulaiman said.