The use of standees and plastic ads or anything that portrays image and body of a woman is prohibited in Islam.

Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria said the authorities should be aware of the negative effects when such advertisements circulate in the country.

“Using the image of a women in standees is prohibited. Advertisements such as that will only cause excitements.

“It becomes negative when a person kiss, molest and do other things to the standee,” he said when was contacted today.

He was commenting photos on social media showing men holding hands with the cut-out, kissing its cheek, and even grabbing at the breast.

Shell had since ordered the cut-offs to be removed from the stations.

The model, Nor Shafila Khairusalleh who is Shell Tronoh branch supervisor said she has forgiven the men.

Commenting further, Harussani said standees of children are permitted as the concept is different compared to the face of the woman on the standee.

“Standee of children can calm down other children from crying or disturbing their parents so it is approved.

He said this also includes highway advertisements which carry safety messages.

The Malaysian Muslim Association President (Isma) Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman was quoted in a portal saying what happened to Nor Shafila was because Shell used women in its advertisement.

Abdullah said it is normal for men to be aroused when they see women, although they are supposed to be in control of their actions.