It is undeniable that attire would play a big role in impressions. This is especially true of certain places such as government offices, where visitors are required to adhere by an appropriate dress code before being granted entry.
However, this has led to much contention among Malaysians recently when a Malaysian woman was denied entry to a police station as her attire was deemed as ‘inappropriate’.
Terengganu Exco voices opinion on issue on dress code when lodging police reports
On the day of the incident, the woman explains that she had been heading to the police station located in Kajang to lodge a report after she was involved in a car accident. Upon arriving at the police station, she claims she was denied entry as she was wearing a pair of Bermuda shorts, which she notes went past her knees.
The incident has since garnered traction over social media, leading to many prominent figures in Malaysia to voice out their opinions on the matter. Kuching MP, Dr. Kelvin Yii has voiced his opinion saying that the dress codes required are ‘irresponsible’ and ‘flawed’.
This was further echoed by former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, who said that the police are obligated to accept the reports that people have lodged, regardless of what they happen to be wearing at the time of lodging them.
“No one will go to the police station to make a report unless they have to. They need the police’s help.
“It is not just for cases of life and death. So it does not matter how one is dressed.” he said, according to NST.
With that said, Terengganu Exco Dr. Azman Ibrahim has caught much ire among Malaysians over his remarks on the issue. Chiming in on the discourse, he Tweeted his response to a statement made by Bentong MP Young Syefura, which was reported by local newspaper Sinar Harian.
Source: Twitter
A screenshot of Syefura’s quote was also included in Azman’s Tweet.
“Issues regarding women being denied entry due to ‘inappropriate attire’ should not be happening.” it read.
Following her statement, Dr. Azman Ibrahim then responded saying that,
“‘Items’ that are of high value would usually have nice and neat packaging. Packaging plays an important role when it comes to reputation and marketing. Toys that are sold on the streets would be deemed as cheap or as a counterfeit item.”
His tweet has since sparked debate in his thread with many Malaysians calling him out on his remarks, as they appear to liken women to ‘items’ whose worth can only be measured by how they are ‘packaged’.
“What is this.. How are we supposed to progress as a nation when such mentality still exists.”
“If there’s an accident that happen and it tore their clothes, do they have to head back home to get proper attire before reporting?”
“This is a weak analogy.”
“Brother Azman, the issue is not about whether the ‘packaging’ is expensive or cheap. She was in a hurry because she was involved in a traffic collision.”
Inspector-general of police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani has since said that the implementation of dress codes was at the discretion of the respective heads of department.
“We wish to show the people that government offices are orderly and civil places to conduct (public) affairs. However, flexibility (on attire) may be granted in cases of emergencies,” he said.
He adds that the incident had stemmed from a misunderstanding, and that the woman was simply advised by the officer to return home and change into more modest attire before visiting the station, reports FMT.
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