Melaka police chief says dress code at government premises stands unless situation is a critical emergency
Melaka police say a woman involved in a minor road accident was asked to change into appropriate attire before entering the Jasin District Police Headquarters, stressing that the dress code applies when emergencies are not critical.
- Melaka police say a woman was asked to change clothing before entering the district HQ as the case was not an emergency.
- She later returned in more modest attire and filed her report without issue.
- Authorities urge the public not to speculate over dress code rules for government premises.
MALAYSIA: Melaka police have provided clarification on an incident involving a woman who was reportedly denied entry into the Jasin District Police Headquarters due to attire that did not meet government premises guidelines.
Local reports said the case drew public attention after claims circulated online.
Melaka police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said investigations showed the incident happened on 8 December at around 5:00pm.
Two women had arrived at the district headquarters to lodge a report following a road accident.
He said neither woman was injured, and both were able to manage without immediate assistance.
Advice to follow dress code
According to Dzulkhairi, the officer on duty advised them to return home briefly to change into more appropriate clothing.
He noted that the dress code for government premises remains applicable so long as the situation does not involve a critical emergency.
The officer was said to have followed these guidelines.
Report filed later that evening
The woman returned at about 5:40pm with her mother, dressed in more modest attire.
She was then allowed to enter the premises and lodge her report as usual.
Dzulkhairi stressed that the Royal Malaysia Police prioritises public comfort and welfare while ensuring that civil service standards are upheld.
He added that flexibility is permitted in genuine emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
The public was advised not to speculate about the dress code to avoid confusion and misinformation.
Background on similar incidents
Dress code enforcement at Malaysian government premises has sparked debate before.
Earlier cases drew public criticism, including the February 2023 incident in Selangor, where Kajang police faced backlash for denying entry to a woman wearing Bermuda shorts when she attempted to lodge a report.
Other institutions have also faced scrutiny, such as a hospital in Kampar, Perak, where a woman was allegedly denied entry due to her shorts.
These cases continue to fuel nationwide discussion on proportionality, individual rights, and how dress codes should be applied across public institutions.
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