Johor fun run strictly for charity, clothing controversy an oversight: Organiser

Organisers of a charity run in Kota Tinggi, Johor, have denied claims that the event, which saw three participants arrested for public indecency, was to promote any form of sexual-related elements. 

Instead, Johor Bahru Hash House Harriers president A Magendran said the run aimed to raise funds for charity and showcase Johor’s attractions, particularly Desaru, to the runners.

“The run was purely for fun and charity. We are neither against nor in support of any sexual groups or individuals - it was simply a run,” Magendran was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

It was reported that the “Red Dress Run” was a global Hash House Harriers tradition since 1968, where participants wear red-themed attire.

However, in Kota Tinggi, three participants reportedly drew attention for their unconventional outfits - a Taiwanese man in traditional attire, an Indian national wearing a saree with a saree blouse, and a local man in a housecoat.

The Taiwanese participant was said to have been shirtless, and his outfit exposed his buttocks.

No LGBTQ+ promo

However, Magendran clarified that the participants were not crossdressing to promote or support LGBTQ+ causes, and the police had taken statements from the three participants.

“We raised RM10,100, which will be donated to children with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy through the association in Johor Bahru.

“We were focused on ensuring the smooth execution of the event and overlooked the participants’ attire. The run saw over 2,000 participants.

“We are fully cooperating with the police, and we never intended to offend anyone. It was simply an oversight,” he added.

‘No approval’

In a statement, the Pengerang Municipal Council said the organiser did not submit any notice of the event and no approval was granted.

The local council also said action can be taken under the Local Government Act 1976 as well as other applicable by-laws.

”The Pengerang Municipal Council will not permit or provide leeways for any parties to host events that do not consider sensitivities of Muslims in areas under its jurisdiction,” said the council.

Earlier, Johor police chief M Kumar said the suspects, aged between 39 and 70, were apprehended at a hotel in the district at about 10pm last night.

The case is classified under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting behaviour and Section 294 of the Penal Code for public indecency.

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