KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 — The Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) has initiated investigations against the Malay girls shown embracing and being kissed by members of a K-pop band for public indecency and outraging Muslims.

The Islamic authority said it will investigate the matter under Section 29 of Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997.

“The action of a few fans were inappropriate, it went against Islamic teachings and disturbed the sensitivities of Muslims in this country,” Jawi said in a statement today.

“As an Islamic authority, we will also carry further investigation if there is sufficient evidence.”

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JAWI urged those involved in the controversy to come forward to aid its investigation.

Section 29 of the Act allows for a fine of up to RM1,000 and imprisonment of no more than six months upon conviction.

The controversy erupted after a video of the meet-the-fan session here for K-pop band B14A on Saturday was uploaded online, prompting thousands of angry Facebook users to share and comment on a three-minute viral video of the artists hugging and embracing the Malay girls on stage.

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The clip, which was posted on the Sukan Star TV Facebook page, was suggestively titled “Perempuan melayu dicabul atas pentas oleh mat kpop semalam” (Malay girls molested on stage by K-Pop artists last night).

Organisers TGM Events has denied claims that the artists had molested three tudung-clad Malay fans on stage last Saturday night, saying that they were against sexual harassment and that the event company was run mostly by women.