Terengganu to implement dress code for tourists

A file picture of Pulau Redang, a popular tourist destination in the state.

PETALING JAYA: Tourists who intend to visit Terengganu must now abide by a dress code, as outlined by the state government.

According to the the state government news portal Teganukita, a circular with guidelines on attire will soon be released to all Malaysian travel agents and Malaysian tourism headquarters in neighbouring countries, including Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

The website states that the guidelines are targeted at tourists, especially female tourists.

State Tourism and Cultural Affairs chairman Datuk Mohd Jidin Shafee said that he was certain the new ruling, along with the implementation of the syariah criminal enactment (Takzir) 2001, would not deter tourists from visiting the state.

Mohd Jidin, who is also Permaisuri assemblyman, however, clarified that action will only be taken once the circular is released.

“Before legal action is imposed on women who wear revealing attire in public, to the point that the dressing causes fervency (kegairahan), a letter with guidelines will be issued,” he was reported as saying.

Mohd Jidin explained that a meeting was held with the Terengganu Islamic and Malay Heritage Council (Maidam) to prepare guidelines, which specify the dress code acceptable according to Islamic rulings.

He explained that ever since the ruling on attire was announced by Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman two weeks ago, both local and international tourists have abided by the specific guidelines.

Terengganu is a major tourist destination due to its pristine beaches and world famous islands like Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, which attract thousands of visitors each year.

According to a source, the ruling does not require men and women to comply 100% with the Islamic dress code. However, visitors and locals must dress decently.

Those who fail to do so will be called for counselling. In the case of underage perpetrators, parents will also be called in to attend counselling sessions, the source said.

It is understood that a meeting will be held Monday to further clarify the guidelines.