SIS slams Terengganu govt for policing women’s attire

The Terengganu government has approved a bill governing the attire of women in public. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA: Women’s rights NGO Sisters in Islam (SIS) has criticised the Terengganu government for deciding to punish women who wear “revealing” clothes.

SIS said it was disconcerting to see women being continuously subjected to moral policing in the country.

“SIS opposes any efforts by the government, public institutions or private sector to force women to dress according to their rules and standards,” it said in a statement today.

Terengganu’s welfare, women development, family and national unity committee chairman, Hanafiah Mat, had said action would be taken against women who did not observe the shariah compliant dress code in the state.

Hanafiah said the state assembly had approved a bill related to this matter and was ready to implement it.

SIS said the move was a form of violation and harassment to women as it undermined their autonomy and dignity.

“The imposition of a dress code degrades women and creates a climate of fear and insecurity as they would feel like they were constantly monitored and judged by society in public spaces.

“It is imperative that both public and private institutions as well as individuals put an end to this obsession with controlling women, particularly how they dress.

“It is misogynistic and sexist to set a standard for what is ‘appropriate’ and ‘proper’ for women,” it said. - FMT