Women's groups agree with the cabinet that there is no need for moral policing to determine how people dress and behave.

"Who we hang out with, where we go and the manner in which we dress are personal choices. There should be no 'moral police', period!" said Sisters in Islam (SIS) programme manager Masjaliza Hamzah when contacted.

Last week, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the cabinet had decided that there is no need for such policing.

This was in response to a controversial raid, which received widespread media coverage, carried out by the Federal Territory Religious Department (Jawi) on a nightclub in the city on Jan 20.

Some 100 Muslim, including scores of women, were detained, herded into a truck and taken back to the department's headquarters.

The Jawi officers allegedly humiliated the women by hurling lewd remarks about their skimpy attire and taking photos of them. One of the women was also prevented from using the toilet, forcing her to relieve herself in her pants.

Who decides decency?

Commenting on this, Masjaliza said dressing was a personal choice, which should not be dictated by society or religion.

"Who decides this (decency in dressing), Is it the enforcement officers?" she asked.

She pointed out that the determining factor for 'indecent' behaviour or clothing is rather subjective.

Masjaliza also quoted a verse from the Quran, which tells Muslims not to judge people based on their dressing.

"The prime minister promotes Islam Hadhari, but how is it that there are laws like these? Laws like these have an impact on different religions," she said.

She also suggested that local authorities focus on educating the youth of all races and religions by providing service centres for them to engage in fun activities.

Repeal the laws

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) executive director Ivy Josiah also agreed that authorities should not dictate the lives of others.

"In terms of instilling moral values, it should be left in the hands of the family, or even the schools. It is disturbing to know that I could be taken away anytime, any place, in a stall or club because of what I wear," she said when contacted

Josiah stressed that it is a personal choice between the person and his or her faith to decide on the manner of dressing.

"The government should review the laws or policies, if not repeal them," she said, adding that an open debate and study be carried out.

The All Women's Action Society (Awam) said that, instead of acting as moral guardians, the authorities should use their resources to address issues such as violent crimes, child abuse, sexual violence and road rage.

The lack of clear rules and procedures governing the Jawi officers made it more likely for them to overstep and abuse the powers entrusted to them, added Awam in a statement.

Also in agreement with the cabinet, was the Joint Action Group Against Violence Against Women.

In a statement, it said authorities should focus on criminal activity that is more harmful to the society.

It also called on the government to carry out a quick and thorough investigation into the controversial Jawi raid.