LANGKAWI – The Langkawi district office has apparently backtracked on an earlier directive to ban entertainment activities during Ramadan.
In a memorandum widely circulated and confirmed by the Kedah chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), entertainment is now allowed in hotels, bars, and other outlets which offer liquor.
The premises are also now allowed to operate on the weekends, as well as Thursday and Friday evenings.
However, the premises must adhere to strict guidelines. For example, the patrons and workers must only be non-Muslims.
Furthermore, all licensed outlets must adhere to the conditions set under their local authorities' permits.
The Kedah MAH chapter chairperson Eugene Alan Dass, when contacted, confirmed that the guidelines have been relaxed for this year.
Dass expressed his gratitude on behalf of the hoteliers, as entertainment is pivotal to any tourism destination.
He added that the hoteliers would ensure that all guidelines are followed, especially in barring any Muslims from patronising such establishments throughout the period.
Langkawi cruise operator – Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Alexander Issac – said entertainment bans during the holy month had been imposed for several years.
Isaac said, however, that the guidelines were not enforced until recently, but now authorities have decided to relax rules under the condition that Muslims cannot patronise such outlets.
Alexander said that with the easing of guidelines, the travel trade community is able to promote tourism activities in a healthy manner and within lawful means.
In February, restaurateurs on the resort island 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.
The operators were concerned that the restriction on entertainment such as musical performances would 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.
Ramadan began on March 23 this year.
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 PAS-led Kedah state executive council on May 25, 2022. – The Vibes, April 7, 2023
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