M'sia authorities investigating 'indecent' zumba session, cites 'inappropriate' attire

Malaysia's Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) is investigating a claim of "inappropriate" behaviour in a public space that occurred at a recent aerobics session.

The probe was triggered by a social media video of the aerobics session, Bernama reported, adding that JAIS' director said they take this matter seriously and will act in accordance with the law.

He said that apart from being "clearly inappropriate", the session included "elements that could be seen as indecent behaviour in a public setting or actions that may bring Islam into disrepute".

Aerobics session

The investigation comes after another social media post showed images of individuals at the session who were wearing a headscarf and a school uniform without a skirt, while another individual was only wearing leggings.

A Malaysian police chief said his department came across the images and videos on Jan. 18, 2026, after 11am.

He added that initial investigations revealed the aerobics or zumba programme was carried out with a "back to school" theme.

Investigation

Following the aerobics session, the Kuala Selangor District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division opened an investigation paper under Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

JAIS' director added in a Jan. 18 statement that the department is looking into the location, organiser and those involved in the session.

He called on the public to assist with the investigation, where they may contact the State Religious Department hotline at 1800-88-2424.

In light of the incident, the police chief also urged members of the public with information related to the incident to contact the Kuala Selangor IPD Operations Room at 03-3289 1222 or any nearby police station.

The social media user has apologised for the incident.

She said they had held the event at Bukit Badong Hall, but that the livestream was unplanned and the organisers were not aware of it.

Top photos via Guang Ming Daily