Photo: Bernama
MELAKA: "No Bikini" signage along the beachfront of Pulau Besar will only be put up after an in-depth discussion with stakeholders, according to the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB).
Mayor Datuk Zainal Abu (pic) said MBMB needed to get an insight on the requirements and will hold a discussion with the relevant departments, including state religious authorities, on the move to put up signboards reminding tourists to wear proper attire while on the island.
"At present, there is no request for us to put up the signboards on the island and we need to discuss it thoroughly.
"I can only issue a statement on the matter once a discussion is held," he said when contacted Monday (Jan 2).
He added that bikinis were not allowed at public beaches in the state but there were no prohibitions on such attire on private beachfronts and swimming pools.
"Let us get a clear picture from stakeholders on the proper attire at Pulau Besar," he added when asked to comment on an incident where Islamic authorities in Melaka were upset that tourists in bikinis had sullied the image of Pulau Besar.
The issue arose azfter a three-minute video of beachgoers in bikinis at a beach on the island started making the rounds on social media from Dec 25.
On Sunday (Jan 1), Melaka Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIM) chief Che Sukri Che Mat said it planned to put up signboards reminding tourists to dress modestly and not partake in activities that are considered sensitive to Muslims.
He said wearing a bikini is only suitable for the bedroom, not to be shown off to the community in Pulau Besar, and this should not be taken lightly.
Che Sukri was quoted as saying that the authorities will not compromise if the act is repeated.
He said they would discuss possible action to be taken against tourists who sullied the sanctity of Pulau Besar, which has a history dating back to the establishing of Islamic civilisation here.
Pulau Besar, about 15km off the coast here, is known for its ancient graves, tombs and mausoleums of notable Islamic preachers.
Meanwhile, Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong asked the Melaka Tourism Development Board to come up with proper guidelines on swimming attire in the state.
He said that following the bikini issue. some people had spread unfounded statements that bikinis were banned throughout the state.
Low said it was understandable that bikinis were not allowed to be worn on Pulau Besar out of respect for its history and culture.
"Tourists shouldn't wear bikinis on Pulau Besar beaches for the sake of the island's history and in accordance with local culture and tradition.
"But the Melaka Tourism Board has failed to remind the tourists on the do's and don'ts while holidaying there," he said.
Low said even Thailand put up a "No Bikini" sign on Koh Samae San beach in Chon Buri province where the authorities there want to preserve its culture.
"Those responsible should have advised the tourists about sensitivities and the history of the island," he said.
