TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Immigration officials in the Malaysian state of Penang detained four Taiwanese and two Singaporeans for performing at a temple festival without valid work permits, reports said Saturday (Oct. 12).

Entering the country as tourists but working at an arts event went against Malaysian laws, according to the immigration service. The six suspects had gone on stage at a temple in Butterworth, a city in the mainland part of Penang, in full costume when government agents showed up, per CNA.

Questioning showed they had only applied for tourist visas and not work permits. The four Taiwanese were two men and two women between the ages of 40 and 60.

If found guilty, they could receive a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a maximum fine of 1,000 Malaysian ringgit (NT$7,500). Foreign citizens traveling to Malaysia to perform must apply for the right documents from Puspal, a body responsible for helping actors and artists from overseas work in the country, immigration officials said.