The Miss Malaysia World 2013 beauty contest has dropped four of its Muslims contestants following criticism by a mufti that their participation was "sinful and haram ".

They were among 20 finalists that were selected in a closed door interview session in Kuala Lumpur on July 12, according to a Mingguan Malaysia report today.

The contest's organiser Anna Lim said the decision was prompted by Federal Territories Mufti Wan Zahidi Wan Teh who had pointed out that there is a 1996 fatwa against Muslim participation in beauty contests.

"The contest will continue as usual and we are enthusiastic about presenting the best contest for the non-Muslim finalists," she was quoted as saying.

The four Muslim contestants that were dropped are Katrina Ridzuan, 23, Miera Sheikh, 19, Wafa Johanna De Korte, 19 and Sara Amelia Muhamad Bernard, 20.

wafa johanna de korte Meanwhile, one of the dropped contestants, Wafa Johanna, said the decision was uncalled for as other Muslims nations such as Indonesia does not forbid Muslim women from participating in beauty contests.

"At first I and my Muslim friends were excited as we were chosen as finalists with a chance to represent our country in a prestigious contest.

"But after the organiser decided to cancel our participation, what is there left but to be sad. Of course it is very disappointing," she was quoted as saying.

The final contest will take place on August 2 at a hotel in the capital city.