The Johor government has eased its ban on entertainment on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, or Maulidur Rasul, on Feb 5, allowing businesses to carry out such activities indoors.

However, entertainment business outlets are “discouraged” from having any outdoor activities, including live bands.

The decision came hours after Malaysiakini reported the entertainment ban.

According to Johor Entertainment Outlet Operators Association president Tan Yam Meng, Johor state secretary Obet Tawil announced the easing of the ban at a meeting this morning.

The 9am meeting was also attended by deputy state secretary Norizan Kulob and MCA assembyperson for Stulang, Mok Chek Hou.

Malaysiakini had earlier reported that the Johor Bahru City Council had issued a circular on Monday to the operators informing them of the ban to be enforced from 7pm on Feb 4 to 7pm the next day.

Local council acted on its own

Contacted today, Tan said the state secretary informed him that no such instruction was given to the local councils this year.  

However, he believed that the council had acted on its own accord, as such a ban during the Prophet’s birthday had been in place in previous years.

Norizan informed the association that all local councils have been verbally informed of the easing of the entertainment ban and that businesses facing action could refer the matter to him.

“We are thankful that the state has heard our grouses. We respect all religions... but we just want to make sure our businesses are not affected,” Tan said.

He added that the business operators had not complained about the ban before as it did not coincide with the Chinese New Year season.

JB bans entertainment on Prophet's birthday
 

NONE