SIS: Stop obsession with policing women’s clothing

Sisters In Islam (SIS) has urged the government to speak out on the issue of moral policing regarding women's clothing, saying that the practice seems to be on the rise.

"It is disconcerting to see moral policing continuously happening in Malaysia. SIS opposes any efforts by the government, public institutions, or private sector to force women to dress according to their rules and standards.

"This is a form of violation and harassment to women to choose their attire and undermine their autonomy and dignity," it said in a statement today.

The statement was a response to the recent news of Terengganu’s decision to punish women who wear “revealing” clothing as well as that of a woman expelled from the Dewan Rakyat for wearing a knee-length skirt with a slit.

"There have been multiple reports that women are being subjected to policing over their attire. Terengganu State Welfare, Women’s Development, Family and National Unity Committee chairperson Hanafiah Mat ‘proudly’ announced that action would be taken against women who do not observe ‘syariah compliant’ dress code in Terengganu.

"SIS also strongly condemns any attempts to publicly humiliate women and impose restrictive dress codes on them, as shown in Hanafiah's statement and the Parliament security officer who expelled a visitor merely for her attire.

"This imposition of dress codes degrades women and creates a climate of fear and insecurity as women feel like they are constantly monitored and judged by society in public spaces," it added.

SIS added that it was imperative that both public and private institutions, as well as individuals, put an end to this obsession with controlling women, particularly how they dress.

"It is misogynistic and sexist to set a standard for what is ‘appropriate’ and ‘proper’ for women," said the NGO.

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