Beliawanis MCA chief Tee Hooi Ling has criticised Alor Setar City Council’s (MBAS) tightened guidelines for models’ clothing on billboards, saying "the advertisers are not kids" with little comprehension on modesty and indecency.

“As there exist federal laws against indecent exposure and this would apply to printed materials and billboards, such a local authority regulation only further insults non-Muslim advertisers who sure would be well cognisant of local social mores on modesty, decency and decorum in Malaysia,” Tee said.

NONE “No respectable advertiser will want to draw the wrath of Malaysian society at large if it intentionally showcases scantily clad models, be they male or female, to sell its product".

English daily The Star reported that the city council had imposed a ruling that female Muslim models must be featured wearing a tudung while non-Muslim models must be dressed decently.

In a statement today, Tee, however, argued that the definition of decency is “totally subjective”.

“Will a short sleeve Polo T-shirt or blouse fall under MBAS’ definition as indecent?” she questioned.

“MBAS could do better to illustrate examples of what sort of clothing is deemed acceptable by their standards for billboard portrayal,” added Tee who citing sports attire as an example, which she pointed out does not fully cover athletes' limbs.

Alor Setar mayor Mat Noh Ahmad reportedly said billboard operators and advertisers must abide by the ruling imposed or face a fine of RM300 as well as having their billboards removed.

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