THE Terengganu government is drafting guidelines on shariah-compliant attire and conduct for athletes. 

State Youth Development, Sports and Non-Government Development Committee chairman Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the guidelines would not only cover aspects of shariah-compliant sports wear, but also how athletes socialise and conduct themselves during events.  

The state government is gathering feedback on the matter from sports associations, academics, and the state mufti, he said, and would not rush into implementing the move just yet. 

“When we have finally have the right shariah-compliant attire, we will enforce the guidelines,” he said after attending a shariah sports workshop in Kuala Terengganu today. 

For the time being, athletes in the state were allowed to wear standard sportswear, he added. 

Wan Sukairi said the state government was forced to withdraw from several sports events it said went against Islamic requirements, and named rhythmic gymnastics and women’s gymnastics as two of them, adding that those sports exposed the athletes’ bodies and movements considered indecent for spectators. 

“There is no compromise for these sports (rhythmic gymnastics and women’s gymnastics) as they display indecent movements, and unless the audience comprises only women, then maybe we will allow them. Even then, it would still be against the respective sports’ governing body regulations,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Wan Sukairi said the state government welcomed fashion designers’ contributions, suggestions and ideas on shariah-compliant sports attire. – Bernama, September 3, 2019.