Two foreigners were fined RM5,000 each for dressing inappropriately at a charity run in Johor, which led to controversy and criticism from the Johor Regent. Arthur Wang from Taiwan and Satyanarayana Prasad Papoli from India pleaded guilty to committing obscene acts in public, with Wang explaining that his attire was traditional clothing from Orchid Island in Taiwan. Both men, aged 66 and 70, apologized for their actions and requested leniency due to their age and lack of understanding of Malaysian culture.
The two men were detained along with two other individuals, one local and one foreigner, for engaging in lewd and indecent behavior during the run. The run, known as the Desaru Hash Red Dress Run, had not obtained official approval from the Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP) and was not organized by the state government. The state government emphasized the need for event organizers to comply with regulations and protect the sensitivities of Islam in the administrative area. Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated that actions threatening harmony or tarnishing Johor’s image would not be tolerated.
The incident at the charity run involved participants wearing lingerie, sarees, and traditional Iban outfits, with some men dressed in women’s clothing. The police confiscated items such as a red saree, a red skirt, and cardboard cutouts from the event, which faced backlash after video clips and images went viral on social media. Participants at the run were criticized for perceived endorsement of LGBT culture, which is rejected in Malaysia. The president of the Johor Bahru Hash House Harriers clarified that the event was meant to raise funds for a charity organization, and around RM10,000 had been raised.
Authorities urged the public to refrain from spreading false information about the incident, warning that it could disrupt the investigation and threaten public order. The Johor Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, emphasized zero tolerance for such behavior and action taken against the culprits. The police chief, M. Kumar, confirmed the arrests of the individuals involved in the indecent displays during the charity run. The state government reiterated its commitment to take firm action against any party organizing events that threaten harmony or the sovereignty of Islam in Johor.
In conclusion, the incident at the charity run in Johor highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and adherence to regulations when organizing public events. The participants involved in the indecent behavior faced legal consequences, with fines imposed on the foreigners who pleaded guilty. The authorities and state government emphasized the need for event organizers to obtain official approval and ensure that activities align with the values and sensitivities of the local community. The incident, which sparked controversy and backlash, led to calls for stricter enforcement of regulations and respect for cultural norms in public events in Johor.
