KUALA LUMPUR – The Companies Commission (SSM) has expressed regret after a woman was barred entry to its office in Ipoh due a hemline “violation”, but is standing by its dress code.
In a statement today, SSM said its dress code for customers at its service counters have long been in place and takes into account all levels of society, as practised in other government agencies.
“On March 10, the customer who was assisted by an SSM officer completed her transactions at 3.20pm on the same day.”
However, the commission added that it is open to suggestions to improve its customer service.
Yesterday, it was reported that a woman whose dress hemline ended slightly above the knee was denied entry into the SSM building in Ipoh.
She then posted a video on social media where she was heard asking a male employee which dress code she had violated.
Khor Hooi Chin, 41, told The Star that she was at the SSM building at 11am but was barred from entry by a guard.
“I was not allowed to go in to do what I came for, and instead had to go to a mall to buy a longer dress. After that, I had to wait until 2.45pm for the office to reopen,” she was quoted as saying.
This is far from the first case of dress code policing at government offices and agencies.
Last month, a woman who attempted to lodge a report was denied access to the police station in Kajang, as her skirt was deemed unsuitable by a low-ranking officer due to its length above her knees.
The dress code issue was widely debated online after Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani was quoted as saying that the relaxation of the dress code in police stations is only allowed in emergencies and limited to “life-and-death” situations.
He insisted that the rules must be followed, citing “kesopanan dan kesusilaan” (courtesy and morality) – the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara – as the basis. – The Vibes, March 11, 2023
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