The Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) today clarified that it does not intend to ban Muslim female workers in the state capital from using lipstick and high-heel shoes.

MPKB public relations officer Azman Mohd Daham said the confusion surrounding the matter revolved around a circular that was sent out to local businesses together with a brochure on dress codes for Muslim women.

Azman said that the brochure was only part of an awareness campaign on an Islamic dress codes for women and was unrelated to the topic of the circular.

He said at present, MPKB only requires Muslim women working in food outlets and on other business premises to don head scarfs and dress ‘politely’.

A compound would be issued should this rule be broken.

"The brochure is just a part of a campaign to explain to Muslim women the dress codes according to Islam which forbid the use of lipsticks and high-heel shoes.

"However, if they (do not comply with this) dress code, MPKB has no right to take action," said Azman, according to Bernama .

‘Discourage rape, illicit sex’

He added that MPKB had also never issued orders specifying that Muslim women should wear the tudung labuh (a head scarf which covers the chest), loose clothes with long sleeves and socks.

A controversy had erupted when it was reported yesterday that MPKB had issued a circular forbidding Muslim women from wearing thick make-up, brightly-coloured lipstick and high-heel shoes which made a tapping sound when used

Such moves were apparently drawn up to ‘discourage rape and illicit sex’. Earlier reports also suggested a RM500 fine would be imposed on those flouting this new dress code.

An AFP report today quoted an MPKB officer denying yesterday’s reports on the ban, saying that there were no laws in Kota Baru forbidding women from wearing heavy make-up or ‘noisy footwear’.

"It is a ridiculous piece of news," said the official.