Malaysian policewomen are being required to wear headscarves for all official functions, a police spokesperson said today.

He stressed that it was not compulsory for non-Muslim personnel but said they should do so voluntarily.

"We advise all of them to wear headscarves during official events for the sake of uniformity. But it is OK if they refuse to do so," he said.

He added that no action would be taken against anyone who does not abide by the directive, but noted that many female Muslim personnel already wear headscarves through personal choice.

Police Inspector General Mohamad Bakri Omar was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times today that all policewomen taking part in a parade during the national Police Day celebrations on Saturday will have to wear headscarves.

Bakri said that those who wished to remove the headscarf after the parade may do so. The newspaper said that the surprise directive has caused some concern among non-Muslim personnel.

Not required during normal duties

Policewomen are not required to wear headscarves during normal duties such as patrolling.

Malaysia's government promotes a moderate version of Islam, but last year it endorsed a university's ruling that required non-Muslim women to wear headscarves on its campuses, saying it was an issue of uniform regulations, not human rights.

Malaysia's population of 25 million people is dominated by some 60 percent of Muslim Malays, with Chinese and Indians making up 26 percent and eight percent respectively.