Good news for beach bums who love donning a bikini at sea!
If you love visiting Redang Island or Perhentian Island, you’ll be delighted to know that Terengganu has announced that there was never a bikini ban on their islands and beaches. Yasss!
The PAS-led state said that it will not restrict non-Muslims from wearing bikinis on their beaches and islands, reported The Malay Mail.
This statement, however, contradicts the “dress-code for tourists” that was supposed to be released in 2015. This guideline advises tourists – especially, female tourists – to dress modestly to avoid serious consequences.
Source: Utusan
Permaisuri’s then-assemblyman, Mohd Jidin, clarified that action will only be taken once a circular was released but reports revealed that the guideline was already followed by tourists after only an announcement.
That said, today (22 June 2018), Terengganu Humanity, Preaching and Information committee chairman, Mohd Nor Hamzah said they will not force tourists to follow a restricted dress-code.
He believes that this decision will reflect the state government’s tolerance and love for harmony within Terengganu. You heard the man!
Source: Buletin Online
He was quoted as saying,
“Furthermore, the decision to dress in bikinis is the right of non-Muslim tourists, and it is also considered common practice at holiday spots.”
“We also do not plan to implement harsh punishments or restrictions on non-Muslim visitors including those dressed in bikinis.”
Nonetheless, Nor Hamzah explained that the authorities will have “discussions” with the tourists on the matter from time to time but he did not reveal the possible outcomes of the discussions. Hopefully, the outcomes are positive!
Source: The Star
Terengganu recorded approximately five million visitors in 2017 but with the new implementation in practice, the state government is aiming to hit 6.5 million visitors in hopes to make a total revenue of RM6 billion by 2025.
All in all, this is definitely a good effort to demonstrate harmony and tolerance as well as to attract more tourists to Terengganu’s amazing islands and beaches. Hopefully, it will also increase the state’s revenue as predicted by its government!
So, time to whip out your favourite bikini and head out to the pretty beaches in Terengganu to bask in the Malaysian sun!
Also read: Thailand Introduces Smoking Ban on 20 Beaches and RM12,000 Fine if Law is Broken
