Limit public dance performances to prepubescent girls - Assemblyman

KUALA TERENGGANU - A state assemblyman has called the Terengganu state government to allow only prepubescent primary school girls to perform dance programmes in public as part of an effort to enhance existing guidelines on public performances.

Ladang state assemblyman Zuraida Md Noor suggested the move to improve the enforcement of the Guidelines on Entertainment, Cultural Performances, Tourism, and Sports in Terengganu.

"Previously, we allowed our young girls in primary schools to perform dance programmes and similar activities in public.

"However, it would be more appropriate to categorise these young girls into pubescent and prepubescent groups.

"This means only prepubescent children would be permitted to perform as an improvement to the guidelines, ensuring our state remains under the blessings of Allah SWT," Zuraida said during a debate State Legislative Assembly sitting at Wisma Darul Iman here yesterday.

On a separate matter, Zuraida also proposed that the state government expand the employment of female drivers across all government agencies in Terengganu.

The move aims to ensure the welfare and comfort of female civil servants, particularly during official travel.

According to Zuraida, the suggestion has gained positive feedback from female government officers, who often express discomfort when traveling alone with male drivers during work-related trips.

"In 2020, the state appointed a female driver through the establishment of the Terengganu Women's Secretariat Unit, which has raised awareness about the importance of this issue.

"Some female officers must travel long distances for meetings and official programmes. It is crucial for the state government to address this matter so that female civil servants can carry out their duties comfortably as workers, mothers, and Muslim women," Zuraida added.