A group of Australians who caused outrage in Malaysia after stripping down to their swimming trunks have been released with just a dressing down from a judge.
The nine men were arrested at Sunday’s Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix and their actions caused a backlash with calls for jail sentences.
However they were released after reading a statement of apology in court and a stern ticking off from the judge.
The men had pleaded guilty to the charge of causing a public nuisance but it was dismissed by judge Harith Sham Mohamed Yasin.
"Let this serve as a reminder to all of you to learn about our local cultures and customs. What is perfectly acceptable in your country is not necessarily acceptable in other countries," the judge said.
One of the accused, Thomas Whitworth, 28, read out a letter of apology: "We are remorseful of our actions on that day. We had no idea that our conduct would be deemed to be inappropriate, crass or even downright offensive to the citizens of this country."
Last year four tourists were fined and deported for stripping off for half naked selfies at the peak of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah state, angering locals who consider the mountain to be sacred.
