ALOR SETAR: The Alor Setar City Council has come under fire for following Kelantan in implementing a ruling that requires non-Muslim models to be decently attired on billboards.
State MCA chairman Datuk Chong Itt Chew insisted the ruling affected non-Muslims in the state, saying: “The council should have consulted the state's multiracial population before coming up with the ruling.”
Mayor Datuk Mat Noh Ahmad had warned billboard operators and advertisers that they must abide by the ruling that require Muslim women models on billboards to wear tudung and non-Muslim models be decently attired.
Anyone’s guess: Another billboard showing some models wearing wide smiles. But whether they are decently dressed or not is up for debate.
A newspaper had quoted him saying that those who flouted the ruling would be slapped with a RM300 fine and have their offensive billboards removed.
Mat Noh said the council would come down hard on those who did not observe decorum when displaying huge outdoor advertisements in areas under its jurisdiction.
Chong said the council should draw up proper guidelines to ensure billboard operators and advertisers were clear about the ruling.
Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said the council was insulting non-Muslim women by using the word “decently attired”.
They fit the bill: A billboard in Alor Setar portraying ‘decently dressed’ models.
“Decency is subjective. I'm sure non-Muslim women don't want to expose themselves in public.
“How do you describe a decent attire? Does the council consider shorts and sleeveless dress as indecent?” he asked.