JOHOR BARU: Police here have arrested two more Pan Asia Hash Run 2024 participants for allegedly engaging in indecent and lewd behaviour during the fun run held in Desaru, Bandar Penawar here recently.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the arrested was a local 70-year-old man and a foreigner aged 49.
The local was arrested at the Kota Tinggi district police headquarters at 6pm, while the foreigner was picked up from his hotel at 8pm on Sunday (Oct 6).
“The arrest was made to help with the investigation over their involvement in the indecent displays during the Pan Asia Hash Run 2024.
“Police seized several items believed to have been worn during the event, including a red skirt, a red cloth, and a red wig,” he said in a statement here on Monday (Oct 7).
However, drug tests conducted on the suspects returned negative, and none of the arrested individuals have a prior criminal record.
Comm Kumar added that the event organiser - the Johor Baru Hash House Harriers - did not promote or endorse any elements that could cause discomfort or violate religious or cultural sensitivities in the country.
He also urged the public to refrain from speculation that could hinder investigations or incite unrest.
Earlier, two of the three men picked up on Saturday were charged at the Kota Tinggi Magistrate Court on Monday.
The two foreigners, aged 66 and 70, were detained at their hotel at 10pm on Oct 5. They were charged under Section 294 of the Penal Code for committing obscene acts in public.
Both have been sentenced to a RM5,000 fine each with one month imprisonment upon failure to pay.
On Saturday, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government would investigate the controversial running event after concerns were raised over participants’ allegedly inappropriate clothing.
He said that the event - which has sparked outrage on social media - was not organised by the state government or any of its agencies.
