According to a New Straits Times report, the new ruling would see Muslim women having to wear long-sleeved uniforms that fully cover their arms.
The report quoted state Local Government, Housing, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Abdul Fattah Mahmood as saying that non-Muslim staff would also be advised to dress decently at work.
“The committee had a discussion with several hypermarkets and business operators over the issue recently, and they have agreed in principle to our proposal,” he was quoted as saying.
Fattah also expressed hope that the ruling would not receive brickbats from “outsiders”, as Kelantan was a “state with a difference.”
“The ruling will ensure a good image for business operators and, at the same time, it can promote the tourism industry in the state,” he said, adding that the state government also encouraged food traders at night markets and food stalls to introduce long-sleeved attire for their workers to promote “hygiene.”
The report also spoke to several Kelantan folk, who welcomed the move.
Shop assistant Mohamad Hafiz Shukri, 22, said some female workers wore “tight and sexy” dresses to the office, and the ruling to cover their aurat would “stop men from gawking at the workers and committing sin.”