MBI dress code must be clear, says committee chairman - The Malaysian Insider

July 7 2015 - BY ISTA KYRA SHARMUGAM

Self-interpretation of what constitutes sopan, or appropriate attire, was what led to the recent dress code incidents at Ipoh City Council (MBI), said Housing and Local Government committee chairman Datuk Saarani Mohamad.

He said MBI needed to make clear what was allowed and what was prohibited, based on existing dress code guidelines.

“For example, some say sopan attire is not too sexy or menjolok mata (eye-catching).

“For Muslims, it is to cover the aurat (intimate parts). Some feel that even if aurat are covered but the clothes are body-hugging, it is still considered sexy.

“The interpretations can vary, which is why some think they are dressed acceptably,” he said.

In commenting on the recent incidents at MBI, where several people, including two elderly siblings, Huang Zheng Zhou, 68, and his sister, Xia Nv, were barred entry to the MBI office in Greentown last Thursday, Saarani said the guidelines were clear in not allowing shorts.

“The public should be aware of and follow the dress code usually applied at government offices.”

He said the code was necessary because, as of late, many people were ignoring the regulations by turning up in improper attire.

He added that he was not aware of any official circular from Putrajaya on the Cabinet’s decision on dress code, despite published reports.

Mayor Datuk Zamri Man said, in light of recent complaints, he would be reviewing the dress code guidelines to make it more customer-oriented.

“We do not intend to turn people away or make their transactions with us difficult. The dress code is meant to be what is publicly acceptable to all.

“I will tell staff to relax on enforcing the dress code for now, until we take a closer look at the existing guidelines,” he said.

Meanwhile, MBI secretary Zakuan Zakaria said he would bring up the matter in a meeting with the mayor and other MBI councillors at a meeting after Hari Raya, in 10 days’ time.

He said he would refrain from commenting for now until a final decision had been reached.

Last week, The Star reported that logistician Eunice Chai was not allowed into the MBI building by security guards for wearing a sleeveless, high-collared top and jeans.

The daily also highlighted Sin Chew Daily’s report of another incident, in which Chen Mei Lan, 49, clad in a short-sleeved blouse and skirt ending below her knees, was not allowed into the MBI office.