Guard who made woman wear sarong at RTD claims 'just following orders'

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — The  Rela security guard who asked a woman at the Wangsa Maju Road Transport Department (RTD) branch on June 8 to  wear a  sarong  over her skirt was merely following instructions.

Tazidamiza Ismail, 41, who has since been transferred to another branch, said the sarong, which belonged to her, was meant for those “who dressed sexily”.

“I was following a RTD directive. This kind of situation happens daily and this is the first time it has  been made into an issue,” she said.

She was commenting on images on social media of sarong-clad Suzanne G.L. Tan at the RTD branch where she had gone to  sign a vehicle transfer form.

Tan said she had been asked by Tazidamiza to wear the sarong as she was inappropriately dressed before proceeding to see an officer at the counter.

Tazidamiza told reporters Tan had not protested when given the sarong.

“She accepted the sarong when stopped from entering. She didn’t say anything at that time. I was shocked it had  became viral on social media,” she said.

She said she had only wanted to help Tan in her dealings with the  RTD.

“I’m actually proud because I was only helping her and not making her life difficult,” she said.

Tazidamiza said it was better that she help members of the public with the sarong than let them go home  without completing their tasks at the RTD.

Pictures on Facebook on the incident that is going viral.

She said those who refused to wear the sarong would not be denied entry into the RTD office.

“If they insist of going in, we  have to let them in,” she said.

Tazidamiza said the only hitch would be that they would have to  wait outside the building until their number is called.

“The ruling applies to men as well. We advise them to wear long pants the next time,” she said.

On her transfer, Tazidamiza said she had asked for it in light of the incident.

Rela director-general Lukeman Saaid refused to  comment on the incident but said all Rela officers had to fulfil their responsibilities while on duty.

“All I can say is that, all Rela officers have to follow a  standard operating procedure when they are working,” he said.