Bikini-clad mermaid sales stunt in Malaysia triggers religious probe

South China Morning Post · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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A mermaid-themed sales gimmick has landed two drinks traders in hot water in Malaysia’s conservative east coast state of Kelantan, after religious authorities launched an investigation into a viral video that drew outrage during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.The 25-second clip, which shows one of the traders prancing about in front of their drinks stall dressed in a rainbow-coloured mermaid costume complete with a bikini top, triggered a wave of online condemnation.Widely described as “immoral” by local Malay media for depicting a man dressed and behaving like a woman, the video had drawn thousands of views and comments as of Monday.In response, the Kelantan religious affairs department said it had opened an investigation into the video, believed to have been filmed in the state’s rural district of Pengkalan Chepa.“Relevant action will be taken if there is any violation of sharia law or improper behaviour in a public place,” the department said in a statement to local Malay daily Sinar Harian.The department could not immediately be reached for comment when contacted by This Week in Asia.Promotional stunts have become common among traders competing for attention at the bustling Ramadan bazaars that spring up nationwide each year, as vendors vie to attract hungry patrons seeking food and drinks to break their fast at sunset.But the cross-dressing stunt appeared to cross a line for many Malaysian social media users, who accused the drinks vendors of mocking Islam.