New Straits Times

TOURISTS WHO DANCED SEXILY IN FRONT OF MOSQUE FACE ACTION

Both showcase K-Pop moves in front of City Mosque

- OLIVIA MIWIL olivia@nst.com.my

ACTION will be taken against two tourists, who behaved disrespect­fully at a mosque here, and their tour operator once they have been identified, said state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environmen­t Minister Assafal Alian.

He was commenting on a 10second video clip of two female tourists, who were inappropri­ately dressed, showcasing sexy KPop dance moves on the wall of City Mosque.

He said the foreigners’ actions in the vicinity of a religious structure showed their lack of respect for Muslims and the hospitalit­y extended to them.

“Although incidents with tourists like this happen everywhere in the world, we will not stand by and do nothing. We appreciate the concern of Netizens and their alertness on such matters.

“We should work together to ensure that visitors to the state enjoy their holiday and, at the same time, respect our culture, beliefs and people.”

Following the incident, the City Mosque Council has placed a temporary ban on foreign visitors.

It has prepared Muslim garb for those who wish to go inside the building. About a thousand tourists visit the mosque every day — one of the must-visit places here.

“The ministry will continue to engage with tour operators and tourism stakeholde­rs, including owners of tourist attraction­s in Sabah, particular­ly on sensitive areas, like religious buildings and sacred venues,” Assafal said.

He said there was a plan to limit the number of tourists at any one time at places of worship to better manage the crowd and ensure a smooth flow of worshipper­s and visitors going to the area.

 ?? OF READER PIC COURTESY ?? A photo of two female tourists dancing on a wall in front of City Mosque in Kota Kinabalu.
OF READER PIC COURTESY A photo of two female tourists dancing on a wall in front of City Mosque in Kota Kinabalu.
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