Malaysian Singer Banned for Baring Chest

KUALA LUMPUR — A popular Malaysian rock singer has been banned from appearing on television entertainment programs for three months after he sparked an uproar by baring his chest during a live TV concert, reports said Saturday.

Faizal Tahir — one of Muslim-majority Malaysia's most exuberant stage performers — stripped off his jacket, undershirt and belt and flung them into the audience at a Jan. 13 concert in Kuala Lumpur. The moves revealed a bright red Superman logo painted on his chest.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission slammed Faizal's premeditated stunt as "insensitive" to viewers and Malaysian culture, the New Straits Times said.

"It is a serious offense in a live entertainment program," the commission was quoted as saying in a statement.

Malaysia's government has strict guidelines for entertainers, who must cover up from chest to knee onstage. Jumping, hugging, kissing and throwing objects at the audience are prohibited.

Private television network 8TV was banned from broadcasting live and delayed telecast concerts for three months for flouting rules for live telecasts, it said in the report.

Commission officials, Faizal and 8TV personnel couldn't be immediately reached for comments Saturday.

Faizal, 29, who shot to fame in 2006 when he was the runner-up in a reality singing competition, has apologized for sparking an uproar in Malaysia.

8TV, which has said it was shocked by Faizal's stunt, has put him on six months' probation during which he cannot appear on the network's shows and must take part in 8TV community projects.

In 2006, the Malaysian organizer of a Pussycat Dolls concert was fined after the group was accused of flouting decency regulations.

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