Malaysia tattoo expo organisers apologise for semi-nude modelling incident

Blackout Trading, the organising committee of Tattoo Malaysia Expo 2019, has apologised to Malaysians who were affected by the viral posts surrounding the semi-nude modelling incident during the event. It explained that the incident during the competition was truly unintentional and it sincerely takes full responsibility. The organisers added that it had intended for the expo to promote the tourism industry, especially in arts and culture, and that tattooing is a significant art form practiced worldwide including Malaysia.

"The lack of due diligence on our end should not have happened. We have clearly failed to protect the interests of the public. We now only ask for forgiveness for us to set things right and fix what can be fixed," it said. Blackout Trading explained that it obtained support from Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) for the expo. However, it failed to provide full disclosure on the activities which would happen during the event.

"Despite the shortcoming from our end, we understand that it does not and will not amount to a defence. We will respect the decision made by the ministry and MyCEB and will accept the consequence of our lack of disclosure. The ministry and MyCEB also shall not be blamed for the inconvenience caused by us," it said.

The organiser also assured the public that it takes full responsibility and accountability for the inconvenience caused. It is also taking the necessary steps to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future, and it will only come back stronger having learnt from its mistakes.

The Internet was abuzz recently when an image featuring semi-nude modelling went viral on social media. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mohamaddin Ketapi said while it was a closed-door event, Mohamaddin Ketapi said “it had breached the norms of morality” and while such an international event will benefit Malaysia’s tourism industry, it is “not the best way” and is not reflective of Malaysia”. He added that Malaysia is “full of manners and morals” and that MOTAC never approved semi-nude modelling, saying that “it is impossible” the ministry would approve an application with “obscene elements”.