KUALA LUMPUR: The Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) has stood by its strict dress code policy, which has come under fire after a woman was denied entry to its Ipoh office for wearing a dress deemed too short.
The commission, in a statement today, defended its policy, stating that it is a longstanding and common practice enforced not only by CCM but also by other government agencies.
CCM also clarified that the woman was eventually assisted with her transaction on the same day, but expressed regret over the incident.
"The dress code for CCM service counters is a good practice that has been in place for a long time, and is also enforced at other government departments and agencies.
"The customer was assisted with her transaction on the same day at 3.20pm. We regret the incident and are open to suggestions to improve our service," the statement read.
The woman in question, Khor Hooi Chin, recently shared a video on social media claiming that a CCM employee refused her entry because her dress was deemed inappropriate as it did not have a hemline below the knee.
Khor could be heard in the video asking the CCM staff to explain what was wrong or "offensive" with her dress; and expressing her dissatisfaction with the guidelines for being "too strict".
The employee suggested that Khor raised the matter with their superior, but Khor highlighted that she was not allowed to enter the premises at all.
This controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding dress codes in public places, particularly in government offices.
While some argue that such policies ensure professionalism and respectability, others view them as outdated and oppressive.
In February, a 60-year-old woman was barred from using the elevator to renew her business permit on the second floor after entering the premises as a security guard had deemed her attire "inappropriate".
In January, a woman who wanted to lodge a police report following a car accident was denied entry into the Kajang station for wearing "inappropriate clothing."
It was reported that the dress code at government premises – which is just a guideline and cannot be enforced as law – is in line with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara, namely courtesy and morality, which is aimed at fostering unity among the people through good behaviour.
In an online poll conducted by the New Straits Times on Feb 17 , many had opposed the dress code policy imposed during emergency situations especially in government hospitals and police stations.
Many had agreed with the notion, explaining that a dress code policy can be considered for meetings with officials, attending places of worship and visiting road transport or immigration offices because such formal interactions can be planned ahead.
Others jokingly said a dress code should be applied only when a person turns up in his or her birthday suit.