A man in Kelantan was detained for dressing as a mermaid to promote a drink stall, facing charges under the state’s Syariah Criminal Code.
KOTA BHARU: A 24-year-old man has been detained by the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAHEAIK) for dressing as a mermaid to promote a beverage stall.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan (pic) said the suspect was detained last Monday near his residence in Chekok, Pasir Mas.
The arrest followed a viral TikTok video of the promotional stunt.
An investigation paper has been opened under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019.
“The suspect was called in last Monday and detained under Section 19 for a man posing as a woman and Section 21 involving indecent behaviour,” Mohamed Fadzli told reporters.
After documentation and preliminary investigations, the suspect was released on an enforcement bond.
He has been instructed to appear again on June 8 for further proceedings.
Mohamed Fadzli said the suspect was paid RM200 by the beverage stall owner to produce the video.
The stall owner has been issued a notice to remove the content.
“The state government wishes to stress that any acts contrary to syariah values and societal norms will be addressed firmly, prudently and in accordance with the law,” he said.
A 26-second video showing the man dancing in a mermaid costume had gone viral on Facebook.
Netizens criticised the act, describing it as shameful.
