A decision by the Kajang Muncipal Council to ban the sale of pork in open-air markets is only intended to regulate the trade, said Selangor exco member Mokhtar Dahlan.

Pork sellers in Taman Murni and Sungai Long had recently received notices to end the practice and move into covered lots, prompting Selangor DAP to intervene on their behalf.

Changing times

Mokhtar acknowledged that Chinese traders have been selling pork in open-air markets for years, but said times have changed and that the sensitivities of the Malays had to be considered.

"We are now a modern society. We must consider the sensitivities of others too," said Mokhtar, whose portfolio covers local government, housing and squatters, and environment.

However, he denied that this was a state directive as claimed by Selangor DAP in a statement dated yesterday.

Mokhtar said the full board of Kajang council members had agreed to the proposal, which was not to ban the sale of pork but to provide "a more appropriate place which is covered or closed".

"I know the council had good intentions, but the execution of their plan fell short. Something like this should be done tactfully. They probably failed there," he added.

'State hand'

Selangor DAP alleged in its statement that the state government was behind the move, described as a "discriminatory and unfair" one.

National publicity secretary Ronnie Liu said council officials had claimed the notices were issued pursuant to the state's directive. However, when asked for evidence, the officials failed to produce a copy.

"State MCA representatives have also openly declared that they were unaware of the proposal and that it was never discussed at the exco level. This policy is said to apply to all open-air market stalls in Selangor," Liu said.

"The move has clearly undermined the constitutional rights of the Chinese and other non-Muslims in the country, and it marks just another example of implementation of the (federal government) declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic state ."

Selangor DAP is expected to submit a memorandum and to seek a meeting soon with Kajang Municipal Council president Mohd Yusop Mat Judin.

Since early this year, Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has called for the reduction or closure of licensed pubs and karaokes and entertainment outlets in the state.

He has also directed owners of coffee shops and restaurants to remove liquor and beer signages and advertisements from the premises and has proposed to centralise the location of Chinese temples in Kapar.