Malaysian girl group Dolla has taken down their latest music video Question from all platforms less than a week after its release, following public backlash over the group’s outfits and the MV’s perceived indecency.
According to Straitstimes, three of the group’s members— Sabronzo (Wan Sabrina Wan Rusli), Tabby (Tabitha Ariel Lam Lianne), and Angel (Angelina Chai Ka Ying)—were shown in revealing attire that exposed their thighs and midriffs. This sparked criticism from conservative sectors, particularly religious leaders.
Religious preacher Asma Harun accused the video of “promoting immorality.” She stated, “To me, this video is very immoral. We must stop supporting things that clearly destroy decency and dignity.”
In response, Universal Music Malaysia (UMM), the group’s label, issued a statement confirming the MV’s removal. The decision was made to “protect the sensitivities of Malaysia’s diverse racial and religious communities.”
“We take all feedback seriously and accept full responsibility for any oversight,” said UMM’s Managing Director Kim Lim. She added that UMM will enforce stricter internal review processes and expert consultations before releasing future creative content.
“As a record label in Malaysia’s multicultural ecosystem, we value cultural sensitivities, religious considerations, and fans’ perspectives. Creativity and artistic expression must align with local norms. Taking down the video was the right step to preserve harmony and mutual respect,” Kim Lim emphasized.
The controversy also drew the attention of Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. When asked whether his ministry would take action against local artists in non-compliant attire, he warned that the video might violate Islamic regulations for performers.
“As Muslims, we must ensure our actions guide others toward righteousness,” the minister told reporters. He confirmed the Question MV had been referred to Islamic authorities for evaluation.
After the video’s removal, the minister thanked UMM for their response, stating, “This action reflects the industry’s sincerity and sensitivity to the voice of the community and the values we all hold dear.”
Formed in 2019, Dolla debuted under Universal Music Malaysia and quickly rose to fame with their 2020 single Dolla Make You Wanna. Known for their bold visuals and confident style, the group continues to navigate the challenges of balancing global pop aesthetics with Malaysia’s conservative cultural environment.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and cultural boundaries in Southeast Asia’s entertainment industries.
Sources: Znews
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