CORONAVIRUS | The Pahang state government has permitted non-Muslim eateries to operate from 7am to 7pm during the Ramadan fasting month, which is being observed under th movement control order (MCO).
Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail the decision is in response to complaints on the earlier directive by certain local councils which set the operation hours for eateries between noon and 7pm.
“As a government which cares and is responsive to the needs of the people regardless of race, this decision (to allow operation from 7am to 7pm) is considered appropriate
“I hope the owners of non-muslim eateries would accept this decision and continue their business in respect of the rules under the MCO,” he added in a statement this evening.
Prior to this, at least four districts in Pahang set new operation hours for restaurants during Ramadan, leading to confusion if this also applied to non-Muslim eateries.
In Kuantan, fast food restaurants are allowed to operate from noon to midnight, while other eateries from noon to 7pm.
In a Faceboook posting last night, PKR assemblyperson Lee Chean Chung questioned if the Kuantan Municipal Council’s order applied to non-muslim restaurants as well.
“We understand that operation hours should be tightened during the MCO and the people of Kuantan have cooperated.
“But why is it that non-Muslim restaurants are only allowed to operate after 12pm? Who gave the instruction?” asked the Semambu assemblyperson, who sent a letter to the council regarding the matter this morning.
Meanwhile, in Cameron Highlands, with the exception of fast food restaurants, all eateries were barred from operating between April 23 and May 24. This applied for take away services as well.
However, the local council allowed eateries to apply for Cash on Delivery (COD) permits in order for them to operate.
They can apply for the permit through the Cameron Highlands district council service counter from Monday to Friday between 9am to noon during the MCO period.
No specific operation hours for the eateries were mentioned.
Whereas in Termerloh, non-Muslim eateries are allowed to operate from noon to 6.30pm and Muslim premises from 3pm to 6.30pm. This is only for take away and COD.
Both Muslim and non-Muslim eateries can only conduct their delivery service between 8pm and midnight. The last order should be before 10.30pm.
In Bentong, the local council had adjusted the operation hours for non-Muslim eateries following public feedback. This was done even before the menteri besar's announcement.
Previously, the municipal council stipulated that all restaurants would be allowed to operate from noon to 7pm during Ramadan.
However, last night, the council said non-Muslim eateries can operate from 7am to 7pm.
Commenting on the issue, DAP's Bilut assemblyperson Lee Chin Chen urged the state government to be more sensitive when handling such issues to prevent confusion. - Mkini
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