During the weekend, a boutique owner in Kelantan was issued with a fine for wearing a short that covered only her buttock. Many were baffled by the City Council’s decision because the woman was fined for wearing the attire inside her own boutique.
Regardless, the matter is now settled after the owner’s adoptive father paid the fine for her. He met with the Kota Bharu City Council legal team today (27 June), and he was accompanied by the President of the Chinese Assembly Hall in Kelantan.
“Many offered to help me but…”
Soon after the matter went viral, the adoptive father, Xu said that many people from political parties contacted him and offered to represent the family in the court to defend their rights. While Xu was thankful for those offers, he decided to move on and paid the fine, which cost him only RM50, reported Sin Chew.
“I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, and I didn’t want this matter to turn political. So, I paid the fine.”
Xu also said that he does not intend to get into trouble with the local government but he only has 1 hope – for everyone to be treated equally.
Clearer guidelines, please
In the meantime, Xu also said that a lot of people differ in terms of the understanding of “immodest dress”. While the state has rules when it comes to indecent attire, Xu hopes that the City Council can come up with clearer guidelines on the length of shorts, and the definition of immodesty.
Xu also emphasised that this matter has nothing to do with racial issues.
“I live in a state where the majority is Muslim. I understand the importance of respect between races and culture,” Xu said.
On a Facebook post of Kota Bharu City Council, they also clarified that the fine was issued according to guidelines and there was no provocation involved.
We’re glad that the matter has come to an end without further conflicts. Perhaps, it’s best to follow the rules of the places to avoid more unwanted troubles.
