Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has imposed a strict dress code at its graduation ceremony that began on Nov 14 and ends tomorrow, barring female graduates from wearing thin materials, tight-fitting clothes and revealing attires.

Female graduates should only wear clothes that cover their bodies all the way from the neck to the ankles. These can be baju kurung, long dresses, long skirts and long-sleeved and high-necked blouses.

Commenting this, Unimas deputy vice chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman said the purpose of the RM50 penalty was to educate the students to the proper attire for a formal function and learn to abide by rules and regulation.

"Unimas convocation is an official ceremonial that is attended by the head of state. We want our students to dress decently as they have caused uneasiness," he told Malaysiakini, adding some students were caught wearing short skirts and short pants.

Similar problems occured in the past 19 convocations and the university provided the students with clothes and shoes for free.

"Because it was free, there was no element of education. This year, we are charging RM50 penalty," he said.

Meanwhile, a student who claimed that she dressed formally, said she was fined RM50 because she wasn't wearing fully-covered shoes.

"Five students who queued in front of me were fined RM50 because of their shoes. I saw 10 students who wore skirts that are slightly above knee level were stopped by the university officers," she said, adding that a total 4,275 students graduated this year.

According to her, they were dressed properly in office attire.

"The problem is, we have spent some money on the attire of our big day, now some have to pay extra RM50 or RM100 because of the fine. If we refuse to pay, they decline to give us our certificate," she said.

"Short skirts, slippers and sandals are not allowed. Thin, tight and revealing clothes are not allowed," Unimas stated in its website.

Those who failed to observe this dress code would need to change to suitable attires, which the university would provide them, at a fee of RM50 a person.

"Graduates not adhering to the dress code will be asked to change into the clothing provided and will be charged a rental fee of RM50 per piece.

"Payment must be made before the collection of the Certificate and Transcript," the Unimas posting said.

Male graduates were barred from wearing jeans. They should keep their hair short and neat, and wear only lounge suit or the national attire.

However, a senior Unimas academician said that the ruling was akin to moral policing and an attempt to collect money from students.

The educator, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals, said the move reflected the university's patronising attitudes.

He said students were already burdened with study loans and the university should not "squeeze" them further.

"Also, is this not also deeply hypocritical? What lesson is Unimas trying to impress upon their graduates through their moral policing of dressing during the convocation?" asked the irate teaching staff.

Rebutting, Fadzil said the university would never make money by charging students RM50.

"RM50 is nothing to us. But, this is the lesson they have to learn. This year, we do not have many problems as compared to before," he added.