Two foreigners fined for ‘indecent’ behavior during illegal party in Johor that attracted thousands of people

SINGAPORE: Two foreigners have been fined RM5,000 ($1,168) each after pleading guilty to dressing inappropriately during a Johor charity run, sparking controversy amid reports of “indecent” behavior.

Their actions drew rebuke from the Johor Regent, and the run also faced criticism for being held without an official signature.

Arthur Wang and Satyanarayana Prasad Papoli, aged 66 and 70, pleaded guilty to the crime on Monday (October 7).

A court translator read the charges to them in Mandarin for Wang from Taiwan and in English for Satyanarayana from India.

Wang, a retiree and activist, pleaded guilty to committing the crime between 4pm and 6pm at Jalan Utama Jalan Desaru in Pengerang.

Both were charged under Art. 294(a) of the Penal Code for committing obscene acts in public places, which is punishable by imprisonment for up to three months or a fine, or both.

Wang appealed for a lenient sentence, justifying it by saying that he did not know or fully understand the country’s culture.

He also testified in court that his outfit was the traditional costume of the indigenous people of “Orchid Island” in Taiwan and he wore it to promote that culture.

The clothing allegedly exposed his buttocks as he ran during the race.

“I apologize to the government and people of Malaysia for this mistake that has insulted the people of this country, and I promise that I will not repeat this act,” he said.

Former lawyer Satyanarayana also apologized and asked for a reduction in the sentence, justifying it by saying that he is already 70 years old, has a wife who works as a doctor and came here to take part in a charity program.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday (October 5), the Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP) confirmed that the Desaru Hash Red Dress run had not been approved. The council also said the event was not organized by the state government or any state agency.

“We do not allow any groups to organize events that do not protect Islamic sensitivities in their administrative area, and event organizers must apply and obtain approval from the authorities to ensure that such an event does not occur again,” the statement said.

The state council, which looks after Kota Tinggi district in southern Johor, where the event was held, also stressed that violations of the law, such as holding any event without permission, would be dealt with in accordance with the Local Government Act 1976 and other applicable laws. statute.

The MPP’s Facebook post echoed earlier statements by Johor Onna Chief Minister Hafiz Ghazi, who had previously spoken about the event.

“The organizer clarified that the incident did not reflect the intended purpose of the event and was beyond its control,” Onn said on Saturday, as quoted by The Star.

He added that the state government will take stern action against any party organizing events that threaten Islamic harmony and sovereignty or tarnish Johor’s image.

“We will not tolerate any actions that disturb the harmony of the state or undermine the sanctity of Islam. This issue should not be prolonged as it may threaten the peace and unity of Johor,” he said.

The Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim or Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ), also commented on the incident.

“Action has been taken and the perpetrators have been arrested. Zero tolerance in Johor,” he wrote on X on Sunday.

Wang and Satyanarayana were detained on Saturday along with another local race participant at a hotel around 10 p.m. on suspicion of lewd and indecent behavior during the race.

However, they were not the only ones who gave up traditional sportswear.

While many runners wore red T-shirts during the event, some opted for underwear and saris.

2,000 participants from 30 countries took part in the run organized by Johor Bahru Hash House Harriers, which took place at the Lotus Desaru Hotel in Bandar Penawar, Desaru over the weekend of October 4 to 6.

One participant was photographed wearing only a traditional Iban outfit called Kelambi, which left his back exposed and showed he was not wearing a shirt.

Johor Police Chief M. Kumar said police confiscated a red sari, a red skirt, silver cardboard cutouts and a silver replica spear.

The run faced a backlash after video clips and photos of the event went viral on social media, with Mr Onn ordering an investigation.

The viral footage showed some male participants dressing up and participants wearing rainbow socks, which was seen as a show of support for LGBT culture. LGBT activities are rejected in Malaysia.

“This type of activity will never be in my books. Don’t do it here. Never,” said user X, who criticized the event.

Since then, the post has received over 1,200 reposts.

The chairman of the Johor Bahru Hash House Harriers race organizer, Mr A Magendran, told The Star that the charity run was aimed at raising funds for the Johor Spastic Children’s Association.

According to another local news outlet, Malay Mail, RM10,000 was raised for the event.

“We informed all participants of the need to maintain proper etiquette as it was intended to be a fun and social event that also included families,” he explained, admitting that indecent behavior by a few people marred the event.

The police appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and spreading false information, warning that such actions could disrupt the investigation and threaten public order, while Onn Hafiz hopes that the case will not be prolonged.