Cutting business hours during Ramadan is inconsiderate

MCA Kuantan’s Ti Lian Ker calls the directive to close business operations by 11.30pm a trespass on traders’ rights.

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Kuantan has criticised the Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK), saying that its recent directive to close all business operations by 11.30pm encroaches on the rights and freedom of traders.

In a statement today, MCA Kuantan division chairman Ti Lian Ker criticised what he called a seasonal or ad hoc ruling, and said that problems that arose should be tackled by means of a uniform by-law or guidelines to avoid affecting the livelihood of traders who have to pay monthly overheads.

The directive was issued following the commencement of Ramadan, with MPK directing lounges, karaoke centres, massage parlours and other entertainment outlets within its jurisdiction to cease operations by 11.30pm.

“There are trades or business practices or operations which go into the wee hours of the night and, which have not been affecting any community adversely even during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Ti.

“The shortened operating hours has no relevance and will not affect Muslims as they should be educated not to patronise these premises in the holy month of Ramadan irrespective of the time of day.”

Ti argued that the usage of arbitrary restrictions and discriminatory regulations that targeted certain sections of the community would only inconvenience businessmen and affect their income.

“Impractical, inconsiderate or restrictive measures will not only curb business activities, but may also cause undue hardship to traders who may in turn resort to ah longs for loans, thus causing more problems for honest traders,” he said.

Ti also said that tolerance, being the spirit to the country’s racial harmony, did not mean that one section of the community should disregard the others to the detriment of livelihoods and income.

“The directive is meaningless, will only inconvenience businesses, and will portray Kuantan in a negative light that is only prevalent in PAS-administered states like Kelantan. It is not in line with BN political philosophy or practices,” said Ti, who added that the conservative and theocratic image created would be detrimental to the tourism and other industries within the vicinity.

“I call upon the current state assemblymen and members of parliament concerned to take up the issue and uphold tolerance, rights and freedom as per our constitutional guarantee, instead of just keeping quiet for fear of the political backlash from a section of the community,” said Ti.