Jennifer Ang, Chair of the Kopitiam and Restaurant Association in Terengganu, stated that many non-Muslim communities found ways to gamble, including going to other states such as Pahang.
The owner of the T-Homemade café – kopitiam in Kampung China, Kuala Terengganu – revealed that there are also those who do it illegally.
However, he hopes the state government can design a number of programs to attract more tourists. Recently there was a Cap Go Meh festival, or Chinese Valentine’s Day, in the city.
“Malays and Indians also celebrate with us. But, it’s only one night and that’s very rare. I hope we can do it once a month, celebrating Chinese festivals. There should be (more activities like this) to encourage tourism… for like Jonker Street in Melaka,” he explained, referring to the busy Chinatown street in the southern state.
Bhavin, a 73-year-old antiques dealer in Kelantan, said he was not affected by the gambling ban because he is not a gambler. Even so, every time he wanted to travel out of state and watch a movie at the cinema, he had to save money first.
“It’s a shame they don’t have a cinema here. They also don’t allow buskers and music,” he said.
Although he never thought about moving because his family and business were all there. He said he could make a decent living there.
“We hope PAS can reduce the ban on non-Muslims, and only ban Muslims because (Sharia) law should not apply to us,” he explained.
PAS HEAD OF INFORMATION: THE REGULATIONS ARE ACCORDING TO THE COMMUNITY’S WANTS
PAS Chief Information Officer Ahmad Fadhli Shaari told CNA that certain regulations were made because local residents wanted them.
“It depends on the community having such values. If PAS becomes part of the government, it will consider how the local population accepts this issue,” he said.
He said that when PAS was part of the Selangor government from 2008 to 2015, it did not attempt to impose any conservative regulations.
Ahmad Fadhli also expressed the perception that PAS only focuses on morals and religion. “Some of our statements on these issues get attention but when we talk about issues like the economy, they are often ignored,” he said.
“So it seems as if PAS only discusses religious matters or moral supervision. PAS is more than that and Kelantan is the best proof. In Kelantan, non-Muslim people are not disturbed or forced (to follow certain living habits).”
