A high profile Malaysian fashion critic has raised heckles by suggesting that people weighing more than 60kg (9.4 stone) should not attend catwalk events.

Zaihani Mohd Zain, a well-known image consultant and stylist in Malaysia’s celebrity circles, commented on social media that people she considered plus-sized allowed their thighs to spill over onto the chairs next to them, reported the Malay Mail.

“It’s so awkward and uncomfortable for the persons seated next to you!” said Ms Zain, who is seen regularly on the front rows of fashion shows.

The post has since been removed, but not before her remarks prompted an immediate backlash on social media, including from major designers in the Malaysian fashion industry, who accused her of fat-shaming.

“What right does one have to criticise plus size people and telling them not to attend fashion shows?” said acclaimed designer Calvin Thoo on his Facebook page.