Dress codes are aplenty in this world.
But it seems that over in Malaysia, they may be a tad bit more stringent than the rest.
According to AsiaOne, a Malaysian woman has professed being denied entry into the library, as apparently…
Her bra was visible.
Now I don’t know what you’re thinking or envisioning right now, but before you get lost in your own thoughts, here’s what the woman was wearing.
And honestly speaking…
I think I’ve seen worse at a children’s party. Way worse.
M’sian Allegedly Denied Entry to Library for Her ‘Revealing’ Top as ‘Bra Lines’ Were Visible
On 12 August, Syarifah Amin, the co-founder of advocacy group Malaysian Youth Advocates for Gender Equality (MYAGE), shared in a series of tweets that she had been refused entry in library, due to the nature of her outfit.
Apparently, she was told by a female security guard and a receptionist that her bra was… well, visible.
They then told her to cover up as her choice of attire was “eye-catching”.
When she insisted, however, they eventually let her in as they were fearful that she would “make a fuss”.
But in the end, it seems that the damage has been done.
“I came here to study,” she said. “I’m wearing long sleeves and long pants. I’m not going to wear a ‘sweater’ to cover my ‘bra lines’.
“I literally just want to study.”
Got denied entry into Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur this morning because of pakaian “menjolok mata” sebab “nampak bra”. This was what I was wearing. pic.twitter.com/yugY9GZN1c
— Miss Atomic Bomb 🇲🇾 (@SyarifahAmin) August 12, 2020
But my friend was allowed in without any hassle when she wore a skirt above the knees, they just told her To wrap her shawl around her waist to make it long. Once up , she took it off no one bothered us I reckon this one receptionist was just pissy. I’m sorry this happened to you
— Karishma Kaur (@CurrymaGill) August 12, 2020
The Line Between Modesty And Inappropriateness
In an interview with World Of Buzz, Syarifah questioned the exact definition of modesty in such public facilities.
“Where is the line what [sic] they perceived as modesty in government-owned public places?”
She also implored people to be more mindful and cease enforcing their beliefs onto others.
According to the Kuala Lumpur Library’s Facebook post on 14 August, its dress code is instituted to “inculcate a civilised society based on politeness and decency”.
Apart from “eye-catching” and revealing outfits, skirts above knee length, clothes with outrageous slogans, singlets, shorts, slippers, pyjamas, hats and tights are also prohibited.
Visitors who fail to comply with the dress code will be refused entry into the facility.
Not The First Time
Last September, a woman was denied entry into the Telok Intan Immigration Office, as her capri pants were deemed “too short” by security guards.
In 2015, Hospital Sungai Buloh made a public apology after it allowed a woman to enter, only after she had covered her legs.
Well, it looks like amidst the changing times, there remain certain areas which stay steadfastly loyal to their own beliefs.
And while it is certainly a notion positive in its own right, one can’t help but wonder whether it’s doable in the long run;
And whether it’s actually feasible to do so, considering how the world’s essentially fast-paced and competitive in nature.
Well, I guess only time will tell.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
