KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — A self-proclaimed “naturist” behind the controversial nude sports video shot in Penang said the event was not sexual in nature and was meant to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Albert Yam, a naturist for 25 years now, defended the concept of “naturism” and “nudism”, saying they do not prescribe going naked for sexual reasons.

“Purely nudism... No sex! We have given talks in Thailand and Singapore… We all are true nudist,” said the man, who is said to be member of a naturist group in Singapore.

Yam, whose name appears at the beginning of the controversial clip, has since changed the video’s privacy settings, noting that it has attracted unwanted attention from the media.

He said this was to protect his friends, acknowledging that the Penang police have already started a probe on it.

Yam, who was speaking to Malay Mail Online via Facebook chat, also insisted that the May event was the first and only one to be organised on Malaysian shores.

“Only this big nude event... one time only,” the Singaporean said, before confirming that the event included Malaysian participants.

Yam claimed the party of nudists had been given permission from a ranger to use the private stretch of beach for their sporting activity.

Asked if he knew whether Malaysian laws permitted nudity in public, he said:

“No.. if the beach is quiet and seclusive, it is okay to go nude… as long as I don’t offend people.”

He added: “Law are man made one..if good and benefit to people, law should change”.

In the video by Yam, a group of men and women are seen in the buff outdoors, participating in an event dubbed as the “Malaysia-International Nude Sports Games 2014 Extravaganza”.

The clip lasting nearly five-and-a-half minutes, was shot on a secluded beach in a Teluk Bahang forest reserve on the northwest tip of Penang island.

The so-called “naturists” are seen frolicking in the open without any clothes on and taking part in sporting activities.

Among others, the event participants were seen racing one another in the nude, performing kettle bell exercises around a campfire and a “gangnam style horse dance” where a woman straddles a man on his back as he walks forward.

In one activity, a naked woman is seen trying to climb over three men as they lie shoulder-to-shoulder in the sand. All the activities were performed without a stitch on.

Earlier today, the police confirmed they have identified 15 participants of the nude sports event.

State police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi told a press conference that the 15 were of various nationalities including seven Malaysians.

“There are four Singaporeans, two Myanmar nationals, an Indian national and a Filipino,” he said.

“We are now tracking them down and we are working with other law enforcement agencies too,” Abdul Rahim said.

The incident is being investigated under Section 509 of Penal of Code for using words or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a person.

Yam, however, insisted to Malay Mail Online that his group had not meant to break the law or offend others.

“Please help us to make it positive,” he said in his last message to this news portal.

“Anything you want to know more, you can ask me.  I need your help to tell the public… it is not sex. it is a lifestyle.”