PAS-ruled Kelantan, which recently lifted a ban on rock music, has given the thumbs up to discos - provided men and women are separated.

Kelantan chief minister Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the clubs would also be banned from serving alcohol.

"I do not see any reason to forbid them," he was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times on plans to use discos to attract tourists.

"This is because dancing is just a form of body movement," said Nik Aziz, also the spiritual advisor of PAS.

Patrons must also wear attire covering designated body parts, or aurat in Malay, which means head to toe dress for women with only faces and hands showing, and between the navel and knees for men, the newspaper said.

"When dancing is done with the aurat covered and there is no intermingling, everything should be okay," said Nik Aziz.

The fundamentalist PAS last month lifted a 15-year ban on rock concerts but said organisers must abide by set guidelines, including strict dress codes and separate seating for men and women.

Kelantan is the only Malaysian state ruled by PAS.