Eateries in Kelantan free to operate during terawih prayers, says Deputy MB

PETALING JAYA: Eateries in Kelantan are free to operate during terawih prayers, as the state government directive for food outlets to suspend night operation has yet to be enforced, says Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.

He said notices have yet to be served on the operators, and therefore, they were free to keep their eateries open between 8.30pm and 10pm during the fasting month of Ramadan.

"As long as there is no further instruction from the local authorities, the operators can continue their business as usual," he said.

Mohd Amar said this in response to brouhaha over an order issued by the State Secretariat to the local authorities to ensure eateries were closed from 8.30pm to 10pm during Ramadan to encourage people to perform Terawih prayers.

Mohd Amar also revealed that the new directive was not discussed during the executive council meeting prior to issuance of the order by the state secretariat on May 6.

"It is not necessary to discuss everything during the executive council meetings. The executive council discuss policy matters.

"The order to close the eateries during terawih prayers is an administrative matter. At times, the state secretariat can issue administrative orders," he said.

Mohd Amar said therefore it was not up to the state executive council to rescind the order.

"The question of the state government rescinding the order should not arise," he said.

Mohd Amar said the order was still at the administrative level.

"The local authorities will look into the processes before implementing the order, including the existing by-laws.

Mohd Amar hoped people would stop politicising the issue.

"It is still at preliminary stage. The local authorities have to look at various aspects including the by-laws.

"We also respect views and comments from others. But please try to look at it in a positive light.

"Even the federal authorities had imposed a blanket ban on smoking at eateries despite all the hue and cry. That is normal," he said.