PETALING JAYA: The Terengganu state government’s decision to impose a 10pm closing time on all karaoke centres risks unfairly penalising compliant businesses, cautions Terengganu MCA.
It could also disrupt legitimate economic activity, said its chairman Datuk Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew (pic).
“We recognise the state government’s duty to uphold public order and respond to residents’ complaints.
“Nevertheless, public policy must carefully balance community concerns with the protection of livelihoods,” she said in a statement.
Ong explained that for many karaoke operators, evening hours represent their peak business period, and curtailing these hours will significantly affect revenue, cash flow and their ability to sustain staff employment.
“Policy decisions, especially amid the current economic climate where many SMEs are still navigating recovery challenges, should aim to support rather than further strain local businesses.”
In a notice dated Feb 12, the Kuala Terengganu City Council stated that karaoke centres’ operating hours are now restricted from 10am to 10pm.
Non-kin men and women are also prohibited from sharing a closed karaoke room.
Ong also noted that the state government had imposed a complete prohibition on karaoke operations during Ramadan.
“While we fully respect the importance of religious observances and the need to maintain social harmony, regulatory measures in a diverse society should take into account the rights and reasonable space of different communities,” she said.
A blanket suspension, Ong added, warrants broader consultation and careful assessment to ensure that, while respecting religious sensitivities, legitimate businesses are not subjected to disproportionate economic hardship.
“Transparent consultation also fosters better policy outcomes, encourages cooperation and strengthens public confidence in governance,” she said.
If the state government’s concern is related to noise disturbances or public nuisance, she said the more appropriate response would be to tighten enforcement standards rather than impose a blanket restriction.
“This could include clearer compliance guidelines, stricter monitoring, enhanced soundproofing requirements and targeted action against errant operators.
“We therefore urge the state government to review the decision, engage affected parties in dialogue, and consider more flexible regulatory approaches that safeguard both community well-being and economic sustainability,” Ong said.
