Entertainment outlets urge DBKL to reconsider 1am ruling

KUALA LUMPUR: Entertainment outlet operators in Kuala Lumpur want the government to reconsider the proposal to close entertainment outlets at 1am as it will have serious impact on multiple sectors.

Night Entertainment Business Operators group, which comprises about 100 entertainment outlet operators, wants the government to retain existing ruling for operational hours according to the licences of entertainment outlets.

Minority Business Chambers Malaysia president Roy Selvaraj said the move will have serious implication to the country's economy, culture and livelihood of people working in the industry.

"We rely a lot on walk-in customers and they usually come at about 11pm or 12am.

"If we are to close at 1am, I foresee a lot of entertainment outlets will suffer losses and will close down.

"It will create a domino effect where thousands of employees in the entertainment outlets, liquor industry, 24-hour businesses, tourism and e-hailing companies will be affected.

"According to The Edge Market reports, Confederation of Malaysian Brewers had contributed RM3.7bil or 0.3% to the gross domestic product in 2016 and this figure will drop if the proposal goes through," he said during a press conference held at Jewels in the Crown, Menara MBF, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

The group, who had met with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for a briefing on Dec 27, will be submitting a memorandum to DBKL on New Year's Eve.

Roy said it was better to retain the existing ruling, where entertainment outlets have a range of closing hours between 1am and 5am, and regulate it.

"The real problem is not the licenced operators whose patrons are easily monitored in case of untoward incidents but operators and liquor sold in mini markets around the city until the wee hours.

"By closing entertainment outlets early, underground house parties and other illegal activities will emerge which will pose a nightmare to authorities," he said.

Estana Curry House and Food Caterers Sdn Bhd director Mazlan Othman said the proposal might give rise to corrupt practices.

"We know the government's intention is good but an in-depth study on its implication must be done.

"There are outlets who extend their business hours illegally and when this happens, corruption can happen," he said.

SMT Group Sdn Bhd director Suzianna Wong said the entertainment industry played a vital role as a tourism player in Malaysia.

"Entertainment outlets in cities like Dubai, Jakarta, Singapore and Bangkok open until or beyond 3am and they contribute to the vibrant nightlife that boost tourists' spending.

"Kuala Lumpur is far behind and we also want to contribute to the city's nightlife and tourism," she said.