Penang mufti calls for
stern action over half-
naked dance in Batu
Ferringhi
Sukki Othman says the performance at a Songkran event violated religious sensitivities and cultural values.
Bernama reported that the performance at a Songkran festival was held just 50m from a mosque and sparked widespread outrage after a video of it went viral on social media.
Sukki said the performance tarnished the image of the popular tourist destination and violated the religious sensitivities and cultural values of Malaysia, a nation, he said, which was guided by Islamic principles.
“The authorities must act decisively according to existing laws, and the management of tourism venues should tighten their guidelines and monitoring to prevent such incidents from happening again,” he said.
Sukki emphasised that exposing one’s body and engaging in inappropriate behaviour in public were against Islamic teachings and should be prevented.
“Society must always be vigilant and not take lightly issues of public immorality. We all have a role to play in promoting virtue and preventing wrongdoing,” he said.
Ismail Din, the chairman of the Ar-Rahman Mosque in Batu Ferringhi, also condemned the event, saying the mosque had not been informed about the Songkran celebration and only became aware of it after the video went viral.
Timur Laut police chief Rozak Muhammad said no permit had been issued for the event, which took place last Saturday and Sunday from 4pm until late evening, with tickets priced between RM60 and RM120.