JOHOR BARU: The Johor state government will launch an investigation into a controversial running event in Kota Tinggi, after concerns were raised over participants’ allegedly inappropriate clothing, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The event, which has sparked outrage on social media, was not organised by the state government, nor by any of its agencies, he stressed.
“The Johor state government wishes to make it clear that it had no involvement in the organisation of this event. Neither the government nor any state agency granted permission or leniency for any activity that disrespects the sensitivities of Islam in Johor,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 5).
Onn Hafiz confirmed that the authorities are taking the matter seriously and have requested a full investigation by the police.
In discussions with both the police and the event organisers, it was revealed that the situation had escalated beyond the organiser's control.
“The organiser clarified that the incident did not reflect the intended objective of the event and was beyond their control,” he added.
The state government, he said, would take firm action against any party that organises events threatening the harmony and sovereignty of Islam, or tarnishing Johor’s image.
“We will not tolerate any activities that disrupt the state’s harmony or undermine the sanctity of Islam. This issue should not be prolonged as it could jeopardise the peace and unity of Johor,” he said.
The controversy arose from an international running event held in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, which attracted backlash on social media due to participants allegedly dressing inappropriately.
