The Malaysian government has ordered a review of attire rules at all public premises after a Cabinet decision that frontline services — including police stations — should not enforce dress codes that prevent people from receiving urgent help.
The move comes after national outrage over a woman and her daughter being denied entry to the Jasin district police headquarters in Melaka earlier this week.
The reasoning for entry denial: their skirts fell above the knee. This delayed them from lodging a police report after a road accident.
Cabinet Discusses Incident After Public Outcry
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had discussed the matter on 10 December following widespread criticism.
“Recently, there was an issue where an individual was not allowed to enter to lodge a police report because of their attire,” he said at a post-Cabinet press conference in Parliament.
Fahmi said the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, has been instructed to review the existing 2020 circular and “make several improvements.”
According to him, essential frontline services — especially healthcare and security agencies — must be exempted from the guideline.
“This includes police stations,” he said, adding that the Chief Secretary will “examine the matter in detail” before issuing an updated circular.
Fahmi said the updated directive is expected soon. He also reiterated the prime minister’s position:
“From the prime minister’s perspective, when it comes to security issues, there should not be any situation that prevents people from lodging a police report.”
What Happened at the Jasin District Police Headquarters
On Monday, 8 December, a 56-year-old woman and her daughter were denied entry to Jasin IPD because they were wearing skirts above the knee. According to reports, they were told the attire did not comply with the government’s dress code.
The woman said she pleaded for an exception due to the urgency of the accident:
“I told the officer that we needed to lodge a report because of the accident and requested an exception.”
“But he said if he let us in, he would be scolded, and then told me to go to a nearby mall to buy long pants.”
The pair then went to a mall, purchased trousers, and returned before finally being allowed to file their report.
The accident had taken place around 2pm along the North–South Expressway near Batu Pahat, Johor. Their car was rear-ended by a vehicle carrying a man, his wife, and two children. Both parties were directed to lodge reports at Jasin IPD.
Police: Officers Followed 2020 Government Circular
Melaka police chief DCP Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar later confirmed that the incident occurred around 5pm, saying officers acted in accordance with guidelines.
Police explained that officers at the Jasin district police headquarters followed the government’s public service customer attire guidelines, which were in place since 1 December 2020. According to the clarification, the officers advised the two women to return with clothing that met these requirements. The former stated that their outfits did not comply with the stipulated dress code for entering official premises.
The pair were later permitted to file their report after changing into longer trousers. Police added that while visitors to police stations are expected to follow the dress code, officers may exercise discretion in urgent or time-sensitive circumstances. And in this case, the mother and daughter were able to lodge their report without further problems.
Dzulkhairi also urged the public not to speculate.
Leaders Condemn the Incident: “Obstruction of Justice”
The incident has drawn criticism from government leaders across party lines.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo called the incident “not just an abuse of authority but also obstruction of justice”.
He added:
“What matters is the urgency of the incident, not the clothing of those seeking help.”
Gobind said he would raise the issue with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and push for a review of all SOPs restricting access to police stations.
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong described the case as “an example of excessive bureaucracy”.
“I am shocked and disappointed by the incident,” he said, noting that Saifuddin had already made clear in 2023 that attire should not prevent police from accepting reports.
Khoo questioned whether victims of trauma or robbery would also face clothing checks, and said he would table amendments in Parliament to exempt all frontline counter services, epecially police and emergency assistance, from attire requirements.
ADUN Says Dress Codes Should Not Apply in Emergencies
Kesidang assemblyperson and Melaka EXCO member Allex Seah also criticised the enforcement of the dress code at police stations and hospitals.
He wrote on Facebook:
“It doesn’t make sense! Emergencies at the police station or hospital, does it really require a dress code?”
Seah said he had contacted the Melaka Police Chief and was informed that the guideline “can be disregarded in emergencies.” He plans to raise the matter at the Melaka State Executive Council meeting on 10 December.
Detailed Timeline of the Incident
On 2pm, 8 December the woman’s car is rear-ended at KM174.8 of the North–South Expressway near Batu Pahat, Johor. Both parties are directed to lodge reports at Jasin IPD.
At 5pm, woman and daughter arrive but are denied entry due to skirts above knee.
They are told to buy long trousers from a nearby mall. At 5.40pm, they return in new clothing and are allowed to file the report.
Police say no injuries were reported and urge the public to comply with attire guidelines while noting discretion in emergencies.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Malaysian Government Considering New Regulation on Online Games—For Children
FIFA Rejects Malaysia’s Appeal Over Forged Player Documents, Upholds Sanctions
“He Bought the Weapons Online”: Investigations Unravel Details of Fatal Stabbing in Malaysia School
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
