You can no longer enjoy shisha or karaoke in Kelantan anymore because the state government (PAS, Parti Islam Se-Islam Malaysia) has initiated a statewide ban on these activities. According to Malay Mail, this was done in an effort to eradicate social ills among young people.
Kelantan’s Local Authority, Housing and Health Exco Izani Husin reckoned that social ills amongst teens and youths will increase if the state didn’t keep shisha and karaoke activities under control.
He was quoted as saying,
“They hang out in droves to have fun while smoking shisha till two in the morning at these premises. When they go home late they will be exposed to unhealthy activities.”
Izani revealed this after the swearing-in ceremony for Kota Bharu council members on Sunday (13 January 2019). On top of that, the Kijian MP shared that they will take action against 18 businesses in Kota Bharu for providing shisha to their customers. Oh no! In addition to that, Izuan noted that there are businesses which also provide shisha illegally.
He continued,
“If anyone is caught breaking the law they can be issued a compound or we will suspend their license.”
If you didn’t know, karaoke was previously banned by PAS in Kelantan back in 1990 but the state government then allowed these businesses to run again in late 2015 under the condition that they have to cater to only families. This means they are not allowed to have private rooms on their premises.
Nevertheless, it looks like the ban from 1990 on karaoke will be implemented again in 2019. What do you think of the state government’s decision to ban karaoke and shisha all over Kelantan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Also read: Health Ministry: Vape and Shisha Are Also Banned from Eateries