KOTA TINGGI: The regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said the state will not tolerate indecent and obscene events.
This follows a recent controversy involving the International Pan-Asia Run 2024 in Desaru, Bandar Penawar, here.
He took to X and posted: "Action has been taken, and the culprits have been arrested. Zero tolerance in Johor."
The run came under fire after video clips showing some male participants who crossed dressed, were widely shared on Facebook.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar confirmed three participants were arrested for allegedly engaging in indecent and lewd behaviour during the fun run, after they were picked up from a hotel in Desaru, last night.
The run was organised by the Johor Baru Hash House Harriers. Its president Datuk A. Magendran said the fun run was intended for charity, not to promote any form of sexuality.
Meanwhile, the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa's management, where the event was hosted, clarified that its role in the event was limited to providing accommodation and meal services to the 2,000 participants.
Its group operations director Indra Gandhi said in a statement on Facebook that the programme outside the hotel was managed by the fun run organisers.
"This charitable gathering, which welcomed over 2,000 participants from 42 countries, was organised by the Pan-Asian Hash group to promote community engagement and celebrate international camaraderie.
"We wish to clarify that Lotus Desaru's involvement was strictly limited to providing accommodation and meal services for the participants. All other activities and external programmes were independently managed by the Pan-Asian Hash group.
"We understand that certain aspects of the event may have caused concern within the community. As a hospitality provider, our primary focus is on delivering quality services to our guests, and we were not involved in planning or executing any non-hospitality-related activities.
"Lotus Desaru remains committed to fostering positive relationships with the local community. We are dedicated to ensuring that future events are conducted with increased sensitivity and awareness," the post read.