THE issue over the compound issued against a non-Muslim woman in Kelantan for allegedly dressing “immodestly” has been resolved and should not be further played up by any party, says Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.

He said this is because the compound was cancelled following a discussion between the director-general of the Local Government Department and the Kota Baru Municipal Council.

“This issue has been resolved and I hope such an incident will not happen again. We need to respect Islam and non-Muslims also need to be defended, this is all within the framework of the federal constitution,” he said during a press conference after holding a working visit to the Fair Park area in Ipoh today.

Nga said the federal government does not intervene in local government affairs, as claimed by some parties.

“I would just like to remind all local authorities that when we enforce the law, don’t get too carried away, and we should understand the essence and spirit of the federal constitution,” he said.

On June 26, a non-Muslim woman was issued with a compound for dressing “immodestly” in public, as she was wearing shorts.

The action against the 35-year-old woman was taken during a surprise inspection at her shop on Jalan Merbau, Kota Baru, in accordance with section 34(2)(b) of the MPKB Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing Bylaw 2019. 

In a separate report, the adoptive father of the woman said the compound had been settled and hoped the issue would not be blown out of proportion or politicised. – Bernama, July 1, 2023.