Kelantan Eateries To Close At Night During Ramadan So Muslims Are Encouraged To Pray

The directive, which was effective immediately, was issued by the Kelantan government via the State Secretary's Office to all local councils in a circular on 6 May, New Straits Times reported.

Signed by state government deputy secretary (management) Datuk Adnan Hussin, the closure was said to encourage Muslims to attend terawih prayers at mosques during the holy month.

"Tomorrow is it going to be a textile shop? They may even ask supermarkets to close. What is next? Pharmacies? Should clinics also close? This is too much," he said, according to Malay Mail.

He pointed out that other Muslim countries have not even reached this "extreme" level.

"How could you then impose on people as if it's a compulsory solat? Even God does not punish you for not performing this prayer," he added.

"I was shown the circular after terawih prayers (Monday night). I checked that it was legitimate... I hope and pray that these orders will be rescinded," the Bachok Member of Parliament said, according to New Straits Times.

He opined that it went against the spirit of Ramadan, adding that the state government should be encouraging Muslims to operate legitimate businesses to earn a halal income.

"During the fasting month, we must encourage people to operate businesses, not stop them."

"We understand the government's intention is to ensure that the people can perform the Tarawih prayers, but perhaps the directive to stop the business operations should be reviewed," restaurant owner Maryam told Bernama.

"Workers and restaurant owners have a bigger responsibility to provide family needs and I think the instruction is too drastic," she said, adding that she has to pay 15 employees.

She also questioned why the directive only applied to restaurants and food stalls, but not other businesses such as supermarkets and fast food restaurants.