An expert has warned that people appearing in public dressed like the other sex could face up to three years in prison under Saudi Arabia's new penal code.

According to Mohammed Al Wahaibi, legal advisor at Saudi TV Al Saudaih, anyone imitating the other sex in attire, appearance, and form will face harsh penalties.

In several cases, wearing a dress that violates public decorum and outrages morality can constitute a crime. According to the penal regulations, attire that suggests imitating women is illegal.

It is planned to issue a new penal code soon that will address imitation of appearances and dressings of one gender by another.

The crime is not a felony. This is a crime that carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison," he said.

Saudi society is known for conservatism, good morals and good appearance, and we will not tolerate any affronts or distortions of that image."

Guards in public places and markets are only supposed to report cross-dressing cases, not arrest offenders, since that is the police's responsibility.

The report did not receive an immediate official response.