A male TikToker and influencer was detained by the Malacca State Religious Department (JAIM) for cross-dressing during a TikTok live yesterday (July 7) in the state.
JAIM director Datuk Md Azhan Samat said the 25-year-old man was detained by a team of officers and members from the JAIM Enforcement Division at about 1.30 AM after receiving a complaint from the public.
The man was wearing women’s clothing, namely a purple blouse, a bunned wig, women’s shoes and earrings when he was arrested.
All the items worn by the man were seized by the religious enforcement authorities to be used as evidence in the case, and he was taken to the JAIM office for documentation and further investigation.
Datuk Md Azhan explained that the raid on the individual was carried out after his party received a public complaint who was displeased with the man’s actions, which were allegedly promoting and normalising lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture in the country.
He said Muslims are advised not to practice the LGBT lifestyle because it is forbidden in Islam and touches on the sensitivities of Malaysians.
“The act is also against the law, which does not support any form of LGBT practice in Malaysia, and this case is being investigated under Section 72: Man acting like a woman, Syariah Offences Enactment (Melacak State) 1991,” he added.
In another update, the TikToker, known as Melinda B, pleaded guilty in court and was fined RM1,800. Based on all the charges, he was accused of wearing women’s clothing and acting like a woman in a public place without a reasonable excuse.
The act was committed at two different locations and times, namely at approximately 12 midnight to 3 AM on June 10 at the A Famosa Building and in front of the Malay World Islamic World Building (DMDI), Jalan Kota, Banda Hilir at approximately 1.30 AM on Monday.
Melinda B had paid the fine.
