SHAH ALAM, Dec 2 — The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) says it has not endorsed the Tattoo Malaysia Expo 2019 and has called for appropriate action to be taken against the parties involved as the event held over the weekend had showcased indecent behaviour.
Its minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCeB) has been instructed to investigate the matter as his ministry had never approved an event showcasing semi-nudity.
“It is impossible that the ministry would approve any application that would organise an event that has obscene elements because this is not the culture of Malaysia, especially when majority of the people are Muslims.
“We will wait for the full report from MyCeB and will not hesitate to take legal action if any violation of the terms and condition were to be found,” he said in a statement today.
Muhamaddin Ketapi said the first time such expo was held in Malaysia was in 2015 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, but he said no such nudity was exhibited at the previous events.
“The organisation of an event at the international level is good for the tourism industry, but it should not have been this way.
“It does not reflect the true culture of Malaysia that is well-mannered,” he said.
The closed-door tattoo exhibition held from November 29 to December 1 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre had attracted participants from 35 countries.
Earlier, MyCeB had in a statement said any events held in any state would require the approval from the local authorities.
On Sunday, photos and videos of half-naked participants said to be from the expo had made its rounds on social media.
