By DESIREE TRESA GASPER (Taken from The Star Online)

JOHOR BARU: The people in the state should ignore rumours saying that they would be fined or arrested if they did not adhere to the dress code for the mourning period following the death of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail.

Johor Council of Royal Court secretary Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli described the rumours as “utter nonsense” and said it was just a gimmick by parties who were trying to defame the name of the late Sultan.

“The new sultan of Johor is very concerned and he is not pleased about these rumours that do not have any basis,” he said during a press conference relating to the issue at the Istana Besar here Monday.

He added that the dress code, which was announced, was only a suggestion by the state to be used by the people during the mourning period.

“We are not forcing the people of Johor to wear said attire but it should be worn out of their love, respect and as a symbol of their heartfelt condolence for the late sultan,” he said.

Abdul Rahim also said that the state has left it to the police to look into the matter.

“So far, we have not heard of an official incident where someone was fined or arrested but I would like to reassure the people that we are not forcing them to adhere to the dress code for the mourning period and it is purely on a voluntary basis,” he said.

He also urged all government and non-governmental buildings to fly their flags at half-mast.

“It doesn’t matter if it is a federal flag, a state flag or their own private flag, I hope that they will fly it at half-mast,” he said.

Abdul Rahim also added that all entertainment outlets and other businesses could run as usual.

“The state only announced that these outlets be closed on the day of the late sultan’s funeral and they should not be worried that action will be taken against them if they run their businesses as usual.

“It was never the intention of the royal family to impose any hardship on the people of Johor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said that members of the public should not pay any fine if approached by any official and should report the matter to the nearest police station.

“I have already briefed my officers relating to the matter and I would like to urge the public to complain to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission if officials attempt to fine them,” he said.