Under government guidelines, artists who perform in the Muslim-majority country must adhere to a strict dress code – female performers in Malaysia must be covered from the top of her chest, including her shoulders, to her knees.
Rihanna’s management is “aware of the country's regulations and the difficulties of doing a show,” Razman Razali, managing director of Pineapple Concerts, said.
Conservative Malaysian Muslims recently protested concerts by Stefani and Lavigne because of the singers’ wardrobes. Stefani made what she called “a major sacrifice” and wore less revealing costumes for her Malaysia show.
A district branch of the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party deemed Lavigne’s on-stage moves “too sexy” last year – but members now say in an online commentary that Rihanna is “sexier and more dangerous” than Lavigne.
However, this hasn’t stopped sales. Concert ticket Web site Axcess said tickets for Rihanna’s Malaysia show were going quickly Jan. 6, hours after the event was announced.
In 2006 the organizers of a Pussycat Dolls concert were accused of flouting decency regulations and fined nearly $3,000.