The authorities must act against the 'red light' areas and vice spots in Kuala Lumpur, said PAS in a memorandum to the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jawi) today.

The party said the department should crack down on the open prostitution and alcohol-consumption by Muslim youths committed in places such as Bukit Bintang and Bangsar.

The memorandum was submitted to Jawi director Ramli Endut by Federal Territory PAS Youth chief Riduan Mohd Nor ( pix, right ), who led a four member delegation.

The department's enforcement and prosecution unit head Shaarani Ismail received the memorandum as Ramli was away.

When met later after a closed-door meeting with Jawi officials, Riduan said he expressed concern over the government's apparent lack of seriousness and political will in tackling the problem of vice in Kuala Lumpur.

"It is as if steps taken by Jawi were merely for the sake of formalities," he added.

Non-Muslims' rights

He complained that prostitution in areas like Bukit Bintang was being carried out in the open whereas Muslim youths were publicly consuming alcohol in the nightspots located in Bangsar.

Riduan also revealed that a discotheque in Bukit Bintang excluded cover charge and provided free drinks for 'ladies in bikini tops'.

He said these were clearly against Islamic teachings and reflect the seriousness of social problems in the city.

"We feel that Jawi needs to be more assertive in this issue, as Jawi is presently not playing a very effective role.

"The reason things are allowed is because there is no real will on the part of the government to tackle the issue," he added.

Meanwhile, the PAS leader said the drive to eliminate these vices was not targeted at the rights of non-Muslims to consume alcohol and pork.

"We are concerned generally with the overall deterioration of morals among our youth, and this is something that all groups are concerned about, regardless of religion," he said.

The delegation had earlier submitted a 'memorandum of protest' on the issue addressed to Jawi director.