THERE was much confusion in Kelantan when the state government banned shorts, even for those playing sports.

Many youths claimed that they have never heard of the rule and said the state government should devote its energies to more pressing matters than ensuring people covered up their “aurat” – a term used to describe parts of the body that should be clothed according to Islamic rules of modesty.

“Rather than penalising us for wearing shorts, there are plenty of social problems in Kelantan that need attention (of the state government),” Mohd Amirul Fazli, 23, told The Malaysian Insight at the Arena Futsal Centre in Kota Baru.

“Drive around Kota Baru, especially along the road near the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. You’ll see lots of young people loitering… taking part in illegal races. Why not solve these problems first?”

Deputy Kelantan police chief Ab Rashid Ab Wahab said in January last year alone, there were 191 cases of drug possession among Kelantan youths aged between 12 and 19.

He said there were also a number of house break-ins.

On September 25, a man home from a futsal game was hauled up because he was wearing shorts.

Wan Khairul Hayye Wali was served with a notice and ordered to attend counselling. If he fails to show up, he will be hauled up before a shariah magistrate and fined RM1,000 if found guilty under the Kelantan Shariah Criminal Code Enactment.

The 30-year-old said he has been wearing shorts to play football since he was in school and did not know there was a rule against wearing them.

News of the incident went viral on social media and sparked heated debate.

The Kelantan Islamic Religious Department has defended the move, saying that the rule has been around since 1985.

Another Kelantan youth, Mohd Faizol Zain, 25, said it is ridiculous to fine people who wear shorts to play football.

“I think it’s ridiculous, that’s why I’m wearing them anyway.”

He admits feeling nervous about the act of defiance but sought solace in numbers.

“I see many people still wearing shorts. We did discuss whether we could wear them, but things seem quiet now, so we all still play football in shorts.”

The Malaysian Insight spoke to Faizol at another futsal court in Kota Baru and found that most players there wore shorts ending just above the knees.

At other futsal courts in Kelantan’s capital, many players seem more comfortable in shorts.

Faizol’s friend, Abdul Rasid, 20, said he knows that it is an offence to wear shorts above the knees but is shocked that the rule applies even when people are playing sports.

“I know I’m not supposed to wear shorts while I’m out and about, but I do wear them sometimes.

“I guess it’s down to luck whether I get fined for wearing shorts. But I didn’t know the rule still applied if I’m playing football. You see, futsal is one of the few healthy activities that we can take part in, otherwise, there’s not much else to do in Kelantan.”

Mohd Nazri Hussein, 37, said he has no problems with the ban on shorts, but disagreed with its sudden implementation, adding that it was unclear and hasty.

“Policies should be clear. The way it’s done now, I didn’t know there was such a rule.

“And then there’s the fine. They should have explained the rule before suddenly issuing fines.”

But the drive for Islamic standards of modesty in dressing does have some support in this deeply conservative east coast state.

A youth, who wanted to be identified only as Muhammad, supports the enforcement of the strict dress code to educate Muslims on covering their aurat.

He even chided the Wan Khairul for voicing his displeasure at being issued the notice on social media.

“As a Muslim, he should know that he cannot wear shorts in public.

“He was buying a burger at the time, so his action (of taking to social media) just blew up the issue, but it’s a small matter. It’s nothing, really,” said Muhammad, who was wearing shorts that end above the knees at a futsal court.

Asked why he was not attired in aurat-covering clothes, Muhammad said: “Because I’m more comfortable playing football in shorts. Besides, most of my friends are still wearing shorts, so I’m wearing them, too.” – October 8, 2017.