KUALA LUMPUR: The tourism, arts and culture minister today warned of serious consequences for tourism in Kelantan if more women are fined for wearing "indecent" clothes.
Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, in a Facebook post, said that such actions could cause concern and have a massive impact on the local population and tourists.
He was referring to an incident on Sunday, when Kota Baru Municipal Council enforcement officers issued a compound to a 35-year-old woman for indecent dressing in her shop.
The woman, who was wearing a pair of shorts, was found to have breached section 34 of the municipal council's Business and Industrial Trade By-Laws 2019.
Tiong also advised Pas leaders who govern Kelantan to learn from Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, which have developed their tourism sector without denying the rights of people of other faiths.
"I call upon everyone, especially Pas leaders, to learn from Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, which are advanced and growing in their tourism sector, without denying the rights of others of different religions.
"I would like to again remind everyone, regardless of party, religion or race, that Malaysia is a country with a multiracial society."
He also quoted Articles 3(1) and 8 of the Federal Constitution, which state that non-Muslims are free to practise their respective religions and are protected from discrimination.
Tiong also stressed that he, as a non-Muslim, has never denied or questioned any religion or race in the country.
"As Malaysians who love this country, we must have mutual respect and celebrate our diversity, and uphold the Federal Constitution."