Wan Khairul Hayyee Wali, 30, had no idea that he could not wear shorts in public, apparently not even to play futsal, which was what he had been doing for many years ever since he was in school.
“Therefore it came as a shock to me when a religious department enforcement officer gave me a notice saying I have flouted the Syariah Criminal Enactment for exposing my knees,” The Star quoted him as saying.
“Seriously, they can’t expect me to wear a sarong to play futsal,” added Khairul.
He was slapped with the notice when he stopped to buy his wife a burger while on the way to play futsal at 10.45pm on Sept 25.
The religious officer also ordered him to attend a counselling session next month, failing which he would be called to appear before the Syariah court and risk being fined RM1,000 if found guilty.
A general worker at a wholesale store, Khairul said he would attend the counselling session.
“If it is an offence, they have to make it clear to the public. How are we supposed to know that it is an offence because even football players wear shorts,” he said.
The Star reported that a Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department officer said the dress code was strictly applicable to Muslims only.
“We do not take action against non-Muslims. We do even take action if a female non-Muslim wears shorts in public.
“We just want Muslims to dress decently when in public spaces, in keeping with our religious teachings,” the officer said.
He added that Wan Khairul would not have to pay any fines if he attended the counselling session.