Two foreigners were fined RM5,000 each for dressing inappropriately at a charity run in Johor Bahru, which sparked controversy over reports of indecent behavior. The incident drew criticism from the Johor Regent and the run was criticized for taking place without official approval. The men, Arthur Wang and Satyanarayana Prasad Papoli, pleaded guilty to committing obscene acts in public under Section 294(a) of the Penal Code. Wang, a retiree and activist, expressed remorse and explained that he was unfamiliar with the country’s culture and wore traditional clothing from Taiwan.
The two men were detained along with another local participant for suspected indecent behavior during the charity run. Two more individuals, a local man and a foreigner, were also arrested for engaging in lewd behavior during the event. The Pengerang Municipal Council confirmed that the run did not have proper approval, and the event was not organized by the state government or any state agency. The council emphasized the importance of obtaining permits for events and pledged to take action against violators in accordance with relevant laws and bylaws.
The charity run, organized by Johor Bahru Hash House Harriers, attracted 2,000 participants from 30 countries. Some runners wore lingerie, sarees, and other unconventional attire, provoking backlash from authorities and social media users. Videos and photos from the event went viral, showing male participants in cross-dressing outfits and rainbow socks, which were seen as endorsing LGBT culture. The run aimed to raise funds for the Spastic Children’s Association of Johor, but the inappropriate behavior of some participants overshadowed the charitable purpose of the event.
The police confiscated items such as a red saree, a red skirt, and a silver replica spear used during the run. Authorities requested an investigation into the event, warning against spreading false information and disrupting public order. The Chief Minister of Johor condemned the incident and vowed to take firm action against any events that threaten the harmony and sovereignty of Islam or tarnish the state’s image. The Johor Regent also expressed zero tolerance for such behavior and ensured that the culprits were apprehended and faced consequences for their actions.
Despite efforts by event organizers to maintain proper etiquette and make the run a family-friendly event, the inappropriate behavior of some participants overshadowed the charitable aspect of the run. The president of the Johor Bahru Hash House Harriers acknowledged that the incident had marred the event’s intended objective and expressed regret over the indecent behavior displayed by a few participants. The public was urged to refrain from speculation and spreading false information to avoid disrupting the investigation, while authorities emphasized the importance of upholding societal norms and respecting cultural sensitivities in organizing public events.
