M’sian govt officers allegedly refuse to serve woman wearing sleeveless top, claim she violated dress code
A woman was allegedly turned away from a government office in Malaysia for wearing a sleeveless top, with an officer claiming that she had violated the dress code.
According to Malaysian news outlet WeirdKaya, a woman named Adeline had penned a Facebook post describing her experience at the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) office in Bandar Permaisuri, Kuala Lumpur.
The Facebook post appears to be unavailable at the time of this article. It is also unclear when the incident occurred.
An officer and security guard reportedly told Adeline to cover up her arms when she tried obtaining a queue ticket. Speaking to WeirdKaya, Ms Adeline explained she had worn the particular top due to the hot weather and believed her attire would be acceptable since she was wearing long pants.
“The officer then said she couldn’t serve me due to my attire and I got upset as I had endured the morning congestion just to reach the JPJ office at 8.30am,” Ms Adeline said.
She claimed she also witnessed another man, who had apparently violated the dress code as well, donning a sarong to cover his legs.
When Ms Adeline informed an officer about her intention to file a complaint, the officer asked her to go ahead, insisting that she was following standard operating procedures.
Ms Adeline was eventually allowed to take a queue number, thought it is unclear what led to the change.
Not first time dress codes were enforced
According to Malaysian news outlet New Straits Times, members of the public in Malaysia are advised to be “appropriately and modestly dressed in line with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara, Courtesy and Morality” when engaging with government agencies.
Rukun Negara refers to the national principles of Malaysia.
In December 2025, a public outcry arose after two women — a mother and daughter pair — were prohibited from entering a police station due to their attire.
The older woman wore a long-sleeved brown top and a grey skirt that ended above her knee, which led to an officer barring her from entering the police station. The woman and her daughter were reportedly told that they had to buy trousers from a nearby mall before they could enter the premises.
Following the incident, Melaka police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar announce that exceptions on attire would be made during emergencies or scenarios where immediate police intervention is required.
Malaysia’s Cabinet subsequently ordered an overhaul of dress code policy at front-line government offices.
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