Club did not have entertainment licence, says Jalaluddin

JELEBU: The comedy club in Kuala Lumpur whose operations were temporarily suspended by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on July 10 did not have an entertainment licence, said Deputy Minister of Federal Territories Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (pic).

He said the premises' owners were only issued with restaurant and liquor licences but not an entertainment licence.

He also said that every premises that conducts a restaurant business and entertainment operations must possess two licences, namely for restaurant and entertainment.

"The club owners applied for an entertainment licence but this was not approved because there are several conditions (to be met) such as a fire report and types of entertainment activities to be held. We cannot issue a blanket approval for each type of entertainment.

"The ministry will not compromise on the misuse of licences. The premises does not have an entertainment licence, so DBKL took action to temporarily suspend the operations of the premises and restaurant for abusing the licence given," he told reporters at the Aidiladha sacrifice programme with Jelebu residents and government agencies in Simpang Pertang here on Wednesday (July 13).

Jalaluddin said the premises’ owners had been given 14 days to submit an appeal after which the DBKL licencing committee would study and investigate the matter, adding that the suspension of the licence could take up to 30 days pending a decision by the committee.

He also said that DBKL would not compromise in matters relating to the sensitivity of religion, race and ethnicity in the country.

Meanwhile, Jalaluddin said the ministry had received a report about an individual, allegedly the owner of the premises, who mocked and insulted the Malay race during a performance at the club as seen in a viral video.

"I have asked the enforcement team to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter. If it violates the conditions of the licence issued, it is not impossible that DBKL will take stricter action that could lead to the closure of the club," he said.

The deputy minister also called on the community to remain calm and not resort to any action that could worsen the situation.

He said according to the record, the premises had been operating without a licence from 2014 to 2017, however, the licences for restaurant operations and liquor sales were approved in 2018 and were still valid until today. - Bernama