PETALING JAYA: The Islamic authorities in Melaka are upset that tourists in bikinis have sullied the image of Pulau Besar and wants action to be taken against those who were in their opinion dressed indecently.
This followed a three-minute video of beachgoers in bikinis at a beach on the island making its rounds on social media since Dec 25.
Melaka Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIM) chief Che Sukri Che Mat said it now plans to put up signboards reminding tourists to dress modestly and not partake in activities that are considered sensitive to Muslims.
“Wearing such attire (such as bikinis) is only suitable for the bedroom, not to be shown off to the community in Pulau Besar. They shouldn’t take this lightly,” he was quoted by Harian Metro as saying.
“This is the first and last (warning). Don’t repeat this; we will not compromise,” he said.
Sukri said a meeting will be held with the police, local government and state development authorities over the matter.
He said they would discuss possible action to be taken against tourists who sullied the sanctity of Pulau Besar, whose history dates back to the Islamic civilisation.
Besides beach resorts and minor outlying islands, Pulau Besar is well known for its ancient graves, tombs and mausoleums of notable Islamic preachers.
