Kelantan state executive councillor Abdul Fattah Mahmood has claimed that Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-president Husam Musa was in support of closing shops in the state for maghrib (after sunset) prayers during his time as a state executive councillor.

The Kelantan Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairperson was responding to Husam, who questioned the Kelantan state government for ordering all businesses to close shop for maghrib prayers.

Husam had said the order should only be limited to Muslim proprietors, as non-Muslims do not need to perform maghrib prayers.

However, Fattah (photo)  questioned whether Husam understood what he had stated.

"Ask Husam. Does he understand what he's saying? He is talking about something that he himself doesn't understand.

"Back then, it was he who promoted (the idea) that we close (businesses) during maghrib," Fattah told Malaysiakini.

Responding to Fattah, Husam said the system previously addressed night markets only, as opposed to all shops.

"Almost 100 percent of the night market traders are Muslims. So non-Muslims having to adhere to this ruling did not arise before," he said.

Meanwhile, commenting further on the matter, Fattah said the ruling has been in force for "decades", although it was previously limited to the Kota Baru Municipal Council.

"Now the system covers all municipal councils. Fifteen minutes before the azan (call to prayers), we will sound the first siren for traders to prepare.

"Five minutes before the azan, we will sound the second siren for them to close their shops for them to prepare for prayers."

Fattah said the process would only take 10 to 15 minutes and traders can re-open their shops after they have performed their prayers.

"We just want to give traders the opportunity to perform their prayers," he said.

Free Malaysia Today yesterday quoted Fattah as saying that errant traders would be given a warning first, and repeat offenders would face temporary barring of their businesses.