Sixteen transvestites, detained by Islamic officials in Malaysia for taking part in a beauty pageant, could be facing six month jail sentences. The participants were held as they contested the "Miss Universe Asia 2008" title last weekend at a resort hotel in the northeastern state of Kelantan, which is ruled by the Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS), the New Sunday Times said. Mohamad Abdul Aziz, chief assistant director of enforcement in the state, told the paper that sixteen people aged between twenty and thirty were detained. Some were dressed in Malay traditional outfits and others in evening gowns. Mohamad said another group of 50 transvestites who were preparing to join the competition managed to escape arrest. Mohamad said action would be taken against the transvestites under Islamic Sharia law "for dressing and acting like a woman." He said they could be fined or jailed for six months if found guilty.