Terengganu is open to considering appeals from 11 family entertainment and karaoke centre operators seeking extended operating hours until 1 a.m.
State Exco for Local Government, Housing and Health, Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, confirmed that the government has received formal requests from the operators following the current restriction limiting operations to 10 p.m.
He added that a discussion session with the operators will be scheduled soon to hear their concerns and work toward a mutually agreeable solution.
“I have received appeal letters from 11 family entertainment and karaoke operators in Terengganu. God willing, I will call them in for a discussion before Hari Raya to understand their issues and reach a consensus. So there’s space for dialogue. However, during the fasting month, extended hours will not be allowed,” he said during a ceremony for the handover of Rumah Mesra Rakyat letters on Tuesday.
Previously, on 28 February, the state government had set a uniform 10 p.m. closing time for all family entertainment and karaoke outlets under local authority supervision across Terengganu. The directive applies not only during Ramadan but also in the following months.
Wan Sukairi, who is also the Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman, reminded operators to comply with the existing rules while awaiting the outcome of upcoming discussions.
Operators who fail to follow the order may face legal action under Section 11(2) of the Entertainment Places Enactment 2002, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000, up to three years’ imprisonment, or both.
