PETALING JAYA: For good or bad, dress codes are important. They define character, a person’s place in society and, in many instances, his profession.
While they should be strictly observed, there also has to be some flexibility in the definition of decency, according to sociologists.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) assistant professor Dr Nor Azlili Hassan pointed out that dress codes have existed for more than 200 years.
“Dress codes define the rules of clothing for people of different ages, races and social status,” she told theSun.
“They were first created in the early 19th Century for workers and students.”
She said it was not only a strategy to enforce discipline but also to meet the demands of capitalism, industrialisation and the rise of nation states, all of which took root at about the same time.
“Unfortunately, in the modern era, many people have adopted a narrower understanding of dress codes,” she said.
Nor Azlili was commenting on a report about a woman who was not allowed into a vaccination centre in Penang because she allegedly did not adhere to the dress code.
On July 17, a man tweeted that his girlfriend was denied entry into Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang in George Town because her dress did not conform with the rules on attire at the premises.
However, the matter was quickly resolved when it was pointed out that the signboard depicting the dress code was applicable only to officials of the Northeast District health office when they hold their meetings at the complex.
The signboard was later removed on the instructions of the district health officer, Datin Dr Azizah Abdul Manan.
Nor Azlili pointed out that public hospitals and clinics have always had a dress code.
“I believe the authorities have a responsibility to maintain law and order, to ensure the smooth running of their operations, and that includes a dress code,” she said.
“Often, some principles of ethics conflict with others, so it is important to work together to minimise conflicts,” she added.
In the case of the woman in Penang, Nor Azlili said such conflict could feed anti-vaccination sentiments.
“Dress codes also have a significant impact on people’s psychological and social demeanour and academic success. You are what you wear. The dress code relates to identity, professional appearance, safety and hygiene,” she explained.
“For instance, we feel more competent, authoritative, trustworthy, productive, friendly and creative when wearing certain attire. And dress codes have a positive impact on people’s perceptions,” she added.
She believes that to perform culturally defined gender roles, one should observe society’s definition of appropriate dressing for men and women.
Dr Charanjit Kaur, another assistant professor at Utar, noted that the government has yet to set guidelines for a dress code at vaccination centres.
Nonetheless, she said dress codes are already part of the Malaysian culture.
“For instance, people are encouraged to dress modestly when interacting with the government.
“Given that there is yet a standard operating procedure on how one should dress when going for their vaccination, the parties concerned should avoid exaggerating the problem and delaying the immunisation process,” Charanjit said.
She added that it would be advisable if a memo on the matter is sent to all vaccination centres to ensure such incidents do not recur.
She also agrees that it is preferable to dress modestly.
“It makes us feel more comfortable, it shows respect for others and eliminates discomfort caused by gender differences.”
However, Parti Warisan Sabah deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking is of the view that having a dress code is “ridiculous”.
In a statement on Sunday, he decried what he described as a growing number of “moral police” who discriminate against people’s right to dress comfortably.
“The priority is to get vaccinated so lives can be saved,” he added.
