Hair style crackdown in Malaysia

Mohawk-style haircuts may be coming back in style, but officials in north-eastern Malaysia have deemed them “un-Islamic”.

Officials in Kelantan state, which is ruled by the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, ordered a 17-year-old teenager to shave off his red-dyed Mohawk earlier this week, The Star newspaper reported today.

Officials were determined to rid Kelantan of “skinhead and punk culture,” The Star reported. The crackdown on coiffures is the latest in the party’s moves to impose strict Islamic rules.

The party, which governs two of Malaysia’s 13 states, has ordered separate shop counters and beaches for men and women.

It’s also banned alcohol, gambling, pop group performances and female entertainment acts.