Kuala Selangor local govt defends dress code enforcement

The Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS) today defended its decision to enforce the dress code for visitors who do business at its premises.

Its president Mohamad Hanafe Basri said dress code at government premises should not be an issue as the public is aware of such rules.

This came after a man was asked to put on a sarong before he could be allowed to enter the MPKS office recently. The man had arrived at the premises wearing shorts.

A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.

"MPKS took note of the viral video about visitors having to put on a sarong or batik before they can enter MPKS headquarters.

"The dress code for visitors doing business with MPKS has been in force for ages, and a copy of the code was also displayed at the premises' entrance.

"Dress code at government premises should not be an issue because the public are already aware of such rules, and every member of the community should understand that every place has its own rules and regulations," he told Malaysiakini.

The 53-second video shows a man putting on a sarong in front of MPKS office entrance, while the person recording the video was overheard claiming that it was a new rule.

However, it was unclear when the incident happened.

Adding further, Hanafe said the dress code at government premises was also in line with the Rukun Negara on good behaviour and morality.

"Every Malaysian should respect and abide by existing rules, including dress codes at government premises. This shouldn't be an issue."

However, Hanafe said an internal investigation will be carried out to determine what happened.

"MPKS has taken action and advised all Rela personnel stationed at MPKS that they should clearly understand all instructions, and always prioritise customers' rights as our guests should be treated nicely.

"An investigation will also be carried out on this issue," he added.

Other recent cases

The issue of dress code at government premises had resurfaced after a senior citizen was not allowed to visit his relative at a government hospital for wearing shorts.

During the incident at Seberang Jaya Hospital in Penang on Monday, 72-year-old Lim Thean Heng was wearing a pair of above-knee shorts and sneakers when he was stopped by security personnel.

Shocked by the action, Lim questioned the personnel on duty before the latter pointed him to an infographic that shows the hospital dress code, which prohibits shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops.

The senior citizen then took his case to the hospital complaint counter before an officer said he would use his discretionary power to allow Lim inside "for only this time".

In another incident on Dec 9, a man claimed that police had asked him to change his pants before he could be allowed to lodge a report regarding a theft.

According to China Press, the man's car was broken into when he was at a food court in Bukit Tambun, Penang. He reportedly lost RM800 in cash while his wife from China also lost her passport. - Mkini