JELEBU: The Crackhouse Comedy Club, which has been suspended for allegedly allowing a performance that insulted Islam, did not have an entertainment licence from 2014 to 2017.
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Sri Jalaluddin Alias said because of this, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had decided to temporarily suspend the operations of the club.
He stressed that the government and City Hall would not compromise on public performances that touched on the sensitivity of religion and race.
"We need to take action because it (the alleged insult on Islam at the club) could lead to unrest and disharmony.
"As a result, the club has been suspended from operations. This will be followed by a show-cause letter," he said at the Jelebu Parliamentary 'Korban Bersama Rakyat' programme at the Jelebu Umno Complex here.
Jalaluddin, who is also Jelebu member of parliament, said DBKL enforcement officers had also been instructed to carry out detailed investigations into claims that the club owner had allegedly insulted the Malays in his act.
He said City Hall could take stricter action against the premises, which is currently suspended from operations for 14 days from July 10. The suspension could be extended up to 30 days.
"City Hall will conduct further investigations before deciding whether the club can reopen or if it will face subsequent actions."
Jalaluddin said the licences approved for the club since 2018 were for restaurant operations and the selling of liquor, not for entertainment.
He said actions taken against the club were under Section 101 (1) (V) of the Local Government Act 1976 and Section 17 of the Entertainment (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) Act 1992.
Jalaluddin said the club's entertainment licence application was rejected because the management failed to complete the Fire Department report and did not specify on the kinds of performances to be held there.