The Pussycat Dolls News

The Pussycat Dolls know how to push the buttons of Malaysian authorities.

A local city council fined organizers for allowing the chart-topping singers to wear skimpy costumes and perform "sexually suggestive" routines at a recent concert.

Foreign artists will now have to follow strict guidelines in their on-stage acts, the government said Thursday.

"We have to have guidelines," said Siti Zaleha, a senior official at the Culture and Arts ministry. "We have enforcement officers that will check acts, and report to the relevant authorities for action."

Absolute Entertainment, the local organizer of the Pussycat Dolls concert, was fined $2,714 for flouting decency regulations.

The six-member all-girl group are known for hits such as "Don't Cha" and "Buttons." They are also known for their skimpy outfits and suggestive lyrics.

Guidelines for foreign artists were initially drawn up last year, Siti said. The official guide includes: no jumping, shouting or throwing of objects onstage or at the audience; no hugging or kissing audience members, or fellow artists; no unnecessary baring of skin, which a female artist needs to cover from the top of her chest to her knees; and clothes should not have obscene or drug-related images or messages.

Local sponsors will have to sign a form accepting the guidelines, Siti said, and it will be their responsibility to inform performers of the rules.

The Pussycat Dolls played to a sold-out arena in Malaysia, considered a moderate Muslim nation, in late July.

Other top acts have previously been warned.

When Linkin Park performed in 2003, the Ministry of Culture and Arts told them not to wear shorts, scream or exhibit raunchy behavior. The following year, Mariah Carey was told to "dress accordingly" for her concert.