The exco for Youth Development, Sports and Non-Government Development, Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, said the move was in line with the state’s Islamic policy.

He said for a start, Muslim footballers under the Terengganu Football Association would be required to wear shariah-compliant attires for all tournaments.

“We have appointed the state mufti, Zulkifly Muda as a member of the Board of Directors of the Terengganu State Sports Council to provide advice and guidance on all aspects of the implementation,” he told reporters after attending the Terengganu state assembly sitting today.

He said there was no enforcement time-frame for the regulation because it depended on the level of readiness of the athletes.

Earlier, replying to a question from Hishamuddin Abd Karim (PAS-Tepoh), Wan Sukairi said the new rule would not apply to non-Muslims.

“For non-Muslim athletes there is no compulsion and it is up to them to wear at their convenience, but we encourage them to follow shariah-compliant clothings.”

He also said athletes from outside the state who come to Terengganu would also not be subjected to the new rule.