That moderate Malaysia

Restauranteurs in Kelantan will have more than health, hygiene and safety to contend with when authorities issue their evaluations around the state’s thousands of food outlets.

Local officials will now be adding Islamic dress codes to their list of checks and balances. They will be docking restaurants points should they fail to ensure their staff’s aurat.

In Islam, aurat refers to parts of the body that should not be seen in public. While some say that it refers merely to genitals and a woman’s breasts, some conservatives consider even a woman’s voice to be aurat, as it could be a “temptation”.)

Humid climate + restaurant kitchen + hijab = fewer women in the occupation.

Malaysia is a generally open country, with very moderate Islam practiced. However, Kelantan is a more conservative state, where Sharia law is implemented and enforced. For example, segregation occurs in the public sphere: hair salons, supermarket checkout counters and sports tournaments. Even cinemas must adhere to the strict Sharia codes of the state, should they intend on staying open. Muslim women working in public spaces must also wear hijab.

How moderate of them.