Perlis' sole opposition rep not ruling out mandatory Jawi signage policy

Perlis’ sole opposition assemblyperson does not rule out the Jawi signage for businesses in the state becoming mandatory.

Although Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said it is not, Gan Ay Ling claimed the former’s remark that businesses which failed to do so would be regarded as “unfriendly” signalled that it could be enforced in future.

The Indera Kayangan assemblyperson said the municipal council could also make a unilateral decision on the matter.

“We've had one such experience before,” she told Malaysiakini, referring to the council’s decision not to renew licences for gambling outlets without discussing with the state executive council.

“So, from the way he (Shukri) talks, it may not be mandatory now, but we sense that it's in the pipeline," added the PKR representative.

Furthermore, Gan (above) believes the state government is in the process of implementing the policy for all businesses.

"If they don't have the intention, they wouldn't bring up this matter out of the blue," she added.

Pressing issues

Gan said given the current economic challenges, the state government should not be burdening the businesses further.

She urged the PAS state government to prioritise the well-being of the people and address other pressing issues before focusing on business signboards.

Gan said she plans to raise the issue in the upcoming state legislative assembly session from Dec 12 to 14.

On Oct 16, Shukri said there were no rules to compel businesses to do so, but his administration encouraged them to incorporate Jawi into their signage.

"I consider (business) premises that still do not adopt Jawi (in signage) as ‘tidak mesra’ (unfriendly) to the state government," he added.

Shukri said there was no need for businesses to replace their present signboards but urged those with old signboards and state or national flags to have them replaced. - Mkini