Kelantan approves bill on higher fines for ‘unrestricted mingling’ of men, women

The Kelantan state government has approved the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Bill 2024 proposal, which includes increasing fines up to RM50,000 for offences, such as unrestricted mingling and socialising between men and women.

(NST) – The proposed bill aims to improve the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment (Entertainment Enactment 1998), which has been in effect since June 15, 1999.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said other improvements include prohibiting entertainment activities containing, promoting, or including elements contrary to ethics, manners, and morals.

This includes supporting or normalising lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) behaviours, disrupting racial harmony and unity, and insulting religion.

“The acceptable rate for offences proposed in this bill is increased from RM20,000 to RM50,000 to ensure individuals or corporations comply with the law.

He said this in response to a question from Norsham Sulaiman (PAS-Semerak) regarding the current status of the Entertainment Control Enactment, which has not been amended for a long time, at the Kelantan DUN session in Kota Darulnaim today.

Fadzli said the study to improve the enactment was carried out by the Committee for Reviewing the Implementation of the State of Kelantan’s Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment, which he chaired.

“Based on the study, it is proposed to abolish the existing enactment, namely the Entertainment Enactment 1998, by drafting a new Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Bill.

“The draft was submitted for consideration to the State Executive Council, which met on May 8 and was approved on May 15, agreeing to pass the proposal.

Fadzli, who is also Temangan state legislative assemblyman, said that enforcement procedures had been improved concerning the authority to enter, investigate, and seize entertainment equipment, including electronic items.

According to him, the draft of this bill was formulated considering the current policies of the state government.