[UPDATED] Ramadan restrictions on entertainment rattle Langkawi tourism industry

LANGKAWI – Restaurateurs here on this resort island have expressed confusion over a circular from the Langkawi district office that prohibits entertainment activities on their premises or in hotels throughout the month of Ramadan.

They are seeking clarification regarding the circular dated October 30 last year which is now making its rounds in the industry – a copy of which has been sighted by The Vibes.

The operators are concerned that the restriction will affect the tourism business which the island largely relies on for revenue.

They also voiced anxiety that such a restriction imposed on those involved in the leisure and hospitality industries would send the wrong message to the travel business community.

The month of Ramadan begins on March 23 this year.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Kedah chapter chairman Eugene Alan Dass said that hoteliers were informed that no entertainment is to be allowed during the fasting period unless there is written approval from the local authorities.

Musical performances are not allowed, including bands, said Dass.

“Alcohol sales are allowed but in outlets which have licences,” he said.

According to the circular, entertainment activities cannot be held during the entire duration of Ramadan.

They are also not allowed to be held from 6pm on Thursday to 2.30pm on Friday, except with written permission from the Kedah authorities.

Such activities are only allowed from 7pm until 1am on normal days, and from 7am until 2am on Saturday nights.

The circular warns that those who contravene the conditions will have action taken against them under Section 16(1) of Kedah’s Entertainment and Entertainment Places Enactment 1997 for licence revocation.

The restriction was decided by the Kedah state executive council on May 25, 2022, the circular stated.

Tourism activist Ahmad Pishol Isahak said that during Ramadan, the travel business community, particularly Muslims, are usually encouraged to scale down their activities since it is the fasting month.

From what he understands, Muslim eateries are only allowed to operate from 4pm daily until 1am to meet the needs of tourists and those who are fasting.

“Some of them may need to have their suppers in the pre-dawn hours,” he said.

Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd owner Datuk Alexander Issac said the district council had held a dialogue with travel industry members.

“There were no issues, I think. Those who want to extend their operating hours beyond 1am are urged to write to the council,” he said.

The district council representatives here could not be reached for comment.

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu-GPS) told Parliament recently that Malaysia needs to learn from Middle Eastern nations on how to have an open-minded approach to tourism.

“In Saudi Arabia, people said it wasn’t an open nation, it was very closed,” he said.

“Now, you can do everything there, they have become open-minded.

“We can’t go on making everything into a religious issue because we are a multiracial country and we need to learn to work as one family.” – The Vibes, February 24, 2023