THE Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) must retract the summons issued to a non-Muslim for purportedly dressing inappropriately, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said today. 

Nga said the woman, a clothing store proprietor, was within her rights to wear what she wants. 

“I have asked MPKB to not misuse their authority and abide by the Federal Constitution as we are a country of various races and religions. 

“This is a non-Muslim shopkeeper in her own premises so it is her right to wear what she wants,” he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times today.

Nga said as per the Federal Constitution, Malaysian citizens are free to wear whatever attire they choose.

Nga said such sensitive matter has caused unrest among the non-Muslim community. 

“I urge all city councils to not be so enthusiastic in issuing summons and try to reach a compromise or at least educate them beforehand. 

“I have asked MPKB and also the state government, PAS, to retract the citation if possible as this issue has caused a stir among the non-Muslim community,” he said. 

Yesterday, MPKB compounded a non-Muslim woman as she was “dressed inappropriately”.

MPKB mayor Rosnazli Amin said the woman was compounded under section 34(2)(b) of its Commercial Trade and Industrial Local Government Regulations 2019.

Section 34(2)(b) states that business licence owners must ensure that those working on their premises wear “decent” clothes or, if they are Muslim, cover their aurat (intimate parts).

Meanwhile, Rosnazli said the photo of the woman posing with the fine – uploaded on Facebook – was misleading as she wore different clothing when she was compounded. – June 27, 2023.