Malaysia arrests four foreigners for taking part in cosplay festival

The three Japanese women and a Spanish man were detained by immigration authorities for not having the right permits

In Malaysia, foreigners wanting to take part in arts performances must obtain permission from a government agency first

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Malaysian cosplayers at an event to mark the 80th anniversary of Batman in Genting Highlands resort outside Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:12pm, 2 Jul 2019Updated: 6:12pm, 2 Jul 2019

Three Japanese women and a Spanish man have been arrested in a raid on a Malaysian cosplay festival for taking part without the proper permits, immigration authorities said Tuesday.

The role-playing craze – where enthusiasts imitate characters from anime series, comics and video games, many drawn from Japanese pop culture – has been growing in popularity in the Southeast Asian country.

The cosplay role-playing craze has been growing in popularity in Malaysia. Photo: AFP

The four foreigners were taking part in the ‘Geek Summit’ on Sunday hosted by the city of Shah Alam, outside Kuala Lumpur, when immigration officials raided the event following a complaint.

“They came into Malaysia on tourist visas, but they were dressed up and performing without permission,” senior immigration official Mohamad Shukri Nawi said.

Foreigners wanting to take part in arts performances in Malaysia need permission from a government agency.