Advertisement

Penang says ‘no’ to nude fun in the sun

There will be no nude beaches in Penang, said a shocked Lim Guan Eng today, following a viral video clip featuring 18 naturists engaging in fun and games in Teluk Bahang.

The Penang chief minister said the state would not allow any nudist activities to thrive and called on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter.

"If Penang does not allow casinos to be opened, it will certainly not allow any nudist activities. I do not know that such an event was held. No way we will allow it.

"We will leave it to the police to investigate. If there were Muslims involved, we leave it to the religious authorities to take action," he said.

The video clip featured a group of nudists participating in the so-called "Penang Nude Sports Games" in Teluk Bahang about two months ago.

It was uploaded by a one "Albert" (whose name appeared in Korean characters), who also gave a lengthy description of the event.

He claimed that the group was allowed to hold their event at the area by a ranger stationed at the park.

There was no mention where the participants were from but all of them appeared to be Asians.

A screenshot of the 'nude games' video shot in Penang and posted on video-sharing website Vimeo.
A screenshot of the 'nude games' video shot in Penang and posted on video-sharing website Vimeo.

Among the activities held included group photographs, body paintings, "pass the baton" run, "swim-over-body" challenge and group "crab-walk".

After the games, the naturists said they took a 2km walk along the beach and skinny dipping.

The "nude games" in Penang were also mentioned on Wikipedia under the topic "List of social nudity places in Asia", which states that the inaugural event in Penang took place on May 30 and was organised by one "Ms Chew". Pictures of the event were posted on the list under Malaysia.

The list further states that "nudists are mostly located in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru".

"There is 1 clothing-optional gay-friendly resort in Hulu Langat, KL and few clothing optional resorts in Penang. Some nude hiking events to Mt Cheras have been organised by Albert Yam. He assisted shy nudists to move out to appreciate and relax in the natural outdoor environment.

"Malaysia has many beautiful and quiet places. The islands and waterfalls are the more popular places for discreet nudists. A Malaysia Nudism Website was set up in 2010, the objective has been to bring all the Malaysian nudists together," said an entry on the website.

This afternoon, Penang Perkasa Youth chief Mohd Rizuad Mohd Azudin lodged a police report on the video clip at the northeast district police headquarters.

Calling the nudists "an uncivilised group that acted like animals", he questioned who gave the permission for the nudist activities.

"This has shamed Malaysians and Malaysia is a respected Islamic country," he said, adding that the state government and religious exco must respond to the issue.

Southwest district police chief Superintendent Lai Fah Hin said the "nude games" was held on a beach at Teluk Kampit, adding that there was one police report lodged so far.

State welfare, caring society and environmental committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said he will meet with the park management soon.

Calls made to the superintendent in charge of the national park management were unanswered. – August 5, 2014.