KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government is finalising the review of the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment 1998.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the amendments include suggestions on raising the rate of existing fines to teach individuals and corporations that violate the law. The focus was on several sections to strengthen enforcement and make it more efficient.
"We realise that there are seven lawyers, including myself, among the state assemblymen. We will hold an exco meeting on Wednesday (April 16) to discuss the matter," he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Islamic Cultural Seminar at Dewan Putik, Pengkalan Chepa here on Monday (April 14).
He also reminded artists, particularly those involved in dikir barat and its related forms, to continue developing the art form and to preserve its originality and values, as they needed to ensure it was free from negative influences.
"For instance, Wali Songo, such as Sunan Kalijaga, a renowned preacher in Nusantara, who uses music, songs and cultural performances as an approach to share Islamic teachings. His success proves that art and culture can serve as powerful means of communication.
"We hope that dikir barat, which represents Kelantan's culture and image, isn't tainted with swear words, obscenities and such that it can be accepted as a decent art form," he said. – Bernama
