KOTA BARU: All restaurant operators in the state have been ordered to close their eateries between 8.30pm and 10pm throughout Ramadan, effective immediately.
The directive was issued by the state government via the State Secretary’s Office to all local councils in a circular Monday.
According to the circular, which was signed by state government deputy secretary (management) Datuk Adnan Hussin, the closure was to “respect the holy month of Ramadan” and to encourage Muslims to attend terawih prayers at mosques and surau.
The circular instructed local councils to issue the order to restaurant operators in their respective areas.
However, Pas central committee member Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, in a statement uploaded on Facebook, has come out against the circular, saying he hoped the orders would be withdrawn.
The Bachok Member of Parliament said the directive went against the spirit of Ramadan, adding that the state government should instead be encouraging Muslims to operate legitimate businesses to earn halal money.
“I was shown the circular after terawih prayers (Monday night). I checked that it was legitimate... I hope and pray that these orders will be rescinded.
“During the fasting month, we must encourage people to operate businesses, not stop them. I hope the Kelantan government will consider rescinding the directive for the sake of the people in the state,” he said.