The police and Terengganu Religious Affairs Department (JHEAT) were urged to investigate an alleged “half-naked” dance party which was believed to have happened at a chalet in Pulau Perhentian.
A Facebook post showing videos of the party went viral after being uploaded last Sunday (28th July), prompting outraged reactions from netizens who urged the authorities to hold the organisers responsible. The videos reportedly show partially nude women and men dancing at a chalet. Another video showed a fire-breather performing at the party.
State Tourism, Culture and Information Technology committee chairman Ariffin Deraman told the New Straits Times,
“For now, we have only received photographs and recordings of the half-naked dance fiesta through social media after it went viral, but before action can be taken, a detailed investigation is needed to determine the authenticity of the fiesta.”
“If it is true and it is proven that a half-naked dance fiesta had taken place involving foreign tourists, we will take action according to the law against the chalet owner who is responsible for the programme.”
“We cannot act based on the video recordings shared on social media alone, we will investigate this matter fully which will include getting statements from the chalet owner said to have been the one responsible in organising the fiesta.”
If it was found that the chalet did organise such an event, its license can be revoked.
Now, in the latest development on this story, police investigations have found that an individual named Ana Simon allegedly uploaded the videos to Facebook using a different name.
According to Besut District police chief Mohd Zamri Mohd Rowi, the individual who posted the videos is reportedly in her 30s. The videos in question were also revealed to be from 2017.
The police chief stated that the individual intended to spread the videos to frame the Besut District Council (MDB) and the Terengganu Religious Affairs Department and government because she was unhappy that her request to open a massage parlour on the island was rejected by MDB.
Mohd Zamri was quoted by Harian Metro as saying,
“Early investigations found that the video was taken in 2017. The video shows a 32-year-old transgender person who was under the influence of alcohol and dancing half-naked at a party.”
“We are taking this issue seriously because the individual who uploaded these videos caused a lot of backlash towards the state government and the authorities, making us look incompetent.”
Mohd Zamri added that MDB has not received any report regarding parties in Pulau Perhentian since 2018.
“Integrated operations involving the police, MBD, the Besut Religious Affairs Department, and the Malaysia Customs Department have always been carried out to avoid the consumption of alcoholic drinks and immoral activities on this island,” he stated.
Mohd Zamri stated that local authorities have never issued licenses to establishments to sell alcohol in Pulau Perhentian. Investigations are currently ongoing.
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Also read: You Can Get Fined Up to RM12,000 for Posting Sexy or Alcohol Photos During Songkran