'Kelantan govt risks lawsuit for ordering shops to close for Raya'

Summary

• Zaid Ibrahim cautions that the PAS-led Kelantan government risks getting sued over an order for all businesses to close on the first day of Hari Raya.

• The former law minister says it’s not up to the government to regulate personal choices.

• He also calls the directive crazy and urged the Kelantan menteri besar to rein in his executive council members.

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim warned the PAS-led Kelantan government could risk getting sued over its latest decision to order all business premises to shutter on the first day of Hari Raya.

“Businesses pay licences (fees) to the state government. Before the state collected the money, did they inform the companies that they were to close on Aidilfitri? If not, they can be sued.

“How one celebrates Hari Raya depends on the person. They may want to work to make some money.

“It’s not the government’s business to regulate personal choices,” Zaid said on Facebook today.

Earlier, Kosmo Online reported Kelantan state executive council member for local government, housing, health, and environment Hilmi Abdullah saying all business premises in the state, including supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, and convenience stores, must be closed on the first day of Raya.

The directive, which also applies to businesses operated by non-Muslims, was said to be aligned with local authority regulations to allow Muslim employees to celebrate Aidilfitri.

“This rule has been in place for several years and is not new. Business owners may face fines if they fail to comply,” Hilmi was reported as saying.

The decision drew ire from several quarters, with Amanah’s Kota Lama assemblyperson Dr Hafidzah Mustakim urging the state government to explain its directive.

“What about critical businesses like clinics? Will they also be closed? Will petrol stations be closed too? The state government needs to clarify this,” she said.

Be flexible

Echoing similar sentiment, Kelantan MCA urged the state government to be flexible and consider the needs of both businesses and residents during the festive season.

Its liaison committee chairperson Chua Hock Kuan said the Kelantan administration should consider providing businesses the option to either operate or shut down their operations during Hari Raya.

"It is important to acknowledge that while the first day of Aidilfitri is a significant celebration for many, certain businesses may face challenges if required to close entirely.

"Flexibility can help support both businesses and the economy, while still respecting the religious significance of the holiday," he said.

Adding further, Chua pointed out that the holiday season would also see an influx of Kelantan folks returning to their hometown, which provides higher business opportunities.

Essential services like clinics, petrol stations and retail shops should also remain open, he added, stressing their crucial services for the people.

"These services are crucial for the convenience of both Kelantan residents returning home for the holidays and tourists who may need access to essential supplies or services.

"The closure of all businesses may result in undue inconvenience, especially when it comes to obtaining basic ingredients or emergency supplies.

"We urge the Kelantan government to adopt a balanced and flexible approach, taking into consideration the needs of both businesses and residents during this important holiday season."

No common sense

Without mincing his words, Zaid said Pakatan Harapan would continue to administer Malaysia as PAS does not use common sense to govern.

The former Kota Bharu MP also referred to Hilmi’s directive as crazy.

“At this rate, the PAS government will tell you to have breakfast only after 7am or to sleep only after 11pm. They will find enough reasons to justify that.

“The menteri besar must ensure the exco knows their policies’ impact on the public.

“Otherwise, businesses will suffer, and the people will be inconvenienced immensely,” Zaid added.

It should be noted that the Terengganu government had imposed a ban on all busking and street music performances across the state during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

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