Kelantan state executive council member Hilmi Abdullah said all local councils in the state have bylaws which allow them to call for business premises to close on certain days.
He said this in defending his decision to instruct business premises in the state to close on the first day of Hari Raya.
Hilmi, who is in charge of local government, housing, health, and environment, also questioned why certain quarters were making an issue out of it as the closure only applies for one day.
“Even a one-day closure is being questioned. I can understand if the rule is stretched to the second or third day of Raya,” he said at a press conference today.
Yesterday, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim warned the PAS-led Kelantan government could risk getting sued over its latest decision to order all business premises to shut on the first day of Hari Raya.
“Businesses pay licences (fees) to the state government. Before the state collected the money, did they inform the companies that they were to close on Aidilfitri? If not, they can be sued.
“How one celebrates Hari Raya depends on the person. They may want to work to make some money.
“It’s not the government’s business to regulate personal choices,” Zaid added.
The state government’s decision was also questioned by Amanah’s Kota Lama assemblyperson Dr Hafidzah Mustakim, urging the state government to explain its directive.
“What about critical businesses like clinics? Will they also be closed? Will petrol stations be closed too? The state government needs to clarify this,” she said.
Workers’ rights
On that note, Hilmi said the directive was issued to ensure Muslim workers could celebrate Hari Raya, adding the order was also in line with the Holidays Act 1951.
While employees are entitled to two days of leave for the festivity, he said employers and employees can negotiate matters in the event there is a need for someone to be at work.
“If they negotiate, employees should be receiving more pay, but they would lose their holiday.
“Now, we are just returning the right back to our workers,” he added.
Elaborating on the directive, Hilmi said the closure involves four types of businesses – hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and fast-food outlets.
“The people can refer to their respective local council for details.
“As for other businesses, we will leave it to the owners’ discretion,” he added.
Meanwhile, after a Kelantan exco meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex in Kota Bharu today, Hilmi told reporters there was a misperception that all businesses were ordered to close.
“Many mistakenly believe that all premises are ordered to close, when only these four categories are involved,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
He also said supermarket owners were allowed to extend operations until 11pm during the week before Hari Raya, compared to the normal operating hours until 10pm.
“Premise owners who wish to extend operations can submit an application to their respective local authorities to obtain approval.” - Mkini
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