KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 — The female host of TV3’s popular women lifestyle show Nona has expressed shock over criticism and allegations that her underwear could be seen through her purportedly overly-revealing clothing.

Fouziah Gous, 32, defended the clothing choices that she said was made by the show’s producers, insisting that they would stay away from clothes that are vulgar.

“Comments like that do not make sense. For me, it is only aimed at dousing my spirits as the host of Nona.

“When I found out that this issue was fiercely debated in blogs and forums, I was shocked. Furthermore, what I wear throughout the entire time of hosting Nona, all of it is determined by the producers,” the actress was quoted saying by local daily Sinar Harian today, in response to the criticism that arose several days ago.

“They also have their own guidelines. Nona itself has already been produced for decades. So they know what is best for the host and always ensure that what is given to me is not menjolok mata (vulgar) or excessive,” she added.

In the same Sinar Harian report, Fouziah went on to say that she herself takes extra care with her clothing.

“Actually every time I wear busana (haute couture), I will wear a singlet as I feel comfortable doing so,” she said, calling this episode unexpected and saying that she would be “more careful” in the future.

She said she does not want to let such “gossips” deter her from focusing on her work and doing her best as Nona’s host.

This is not the first time in Malaysia where Malaysians have criticised women over how they dress.

On Thursday, local daily The Star reported that Johor princess Tunku Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has decided to close down her Instagram account after being criticised for not wearing a headscarf.

Her decision to quit all social media was reportedly made after receiving advice from her parents who were worried about her well-being and safety, while her brother had reportedly defended her as being a better Muslim than some who donned the tudung and pointed out that she covers her hair with a shawl during religious events.

Other Malay-Muslim women have received brickbats on social media, with medal-winning gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi singled out for wearing a leotard and Bank Negara scholarship winner Hajar Nur Asyiqin Abdul Zubir attacked for not wearing a tudung or headscarf.

Earlier this year, several women were controversially blocked from entering public institutions and government buildings such as a Penang courthouse, a Road Transport Department (RTD) office, the Selangor state secretariat, the Sungai Buloh public hospital for wearing knee-length skirts and shorts deemed indecent.

Some of these women were given sarongs by security personnel to cover their legs to fit with the dress code and be granted entry into the buildings.