Chinese Tourists Who Performed ‘Disrespectful’ Dance in Front of Mosque in Malaysia Fined Just $6 Each

Wan Han, 37, and Zhang Na, 25, were captured on video dancing in front of a mosque at around 4:30 p.m. on June 23.

The Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry took measures to identify the women after the footage caused massive outrage online, The Star reported.

Police managed to find the tourists a few days after the video went viral. They were found guilty of disorderly behavior in public places and were asked to pay the fine before Magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus on June 27, according to The Star.

If Wan and Zhang were to fail to pay the fine, both would face seven days in jail.

The women, who appeared unrepresented during mitigation at the court, urged authorities for a merciful sentence as they were not aware that what they did was wrong.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Albert Basiri asked for an appropriate sentence for the women to teach them and other tourists in the country a lesson. After being granted a lenient sentence, the two women paid the fine and were escorted to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to travel back to China.

As a result of the scandal, the city mosque management issued a temporary ban for tourists and vehicles to the area. Taxis who are registered with the mosque were not included in the temporary ban.

Featured Image (Left) via YouTube / The Star Online, (Right) via The Star