Kelantan DAP Chairman Poan Yin Chai revealed on Friday (12 Dec) that the Kota Bharu Municipal Council and the Kelantan Religious Affairs Department have reportedly imposed a ban on alcohol in local hotels.
This prohibition applies even to non-muslim wedding banquets, sparking widespread concern.
Poan stated that this new ruling would prevent hotels from serving alcohol at wedding receptions, including Chinese traditional “joyous wine,” which has been customary at such events.
He described the decision as a “devastating blow” to hotel operators.
Ban expands to non-muslims
According to Guang Ming Daily, Poan immediately notified Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming upon hearing this from industry contacts.
Nga, who also serves as the DAP Vice Chairman, was informed of the situation.
According to Poan, this ban undermines Kelantan’s claims of protecting non-Muslim rights under the Islamic Party-led state government.
He noted that while Kelantan authorities have long touted their commitment to inclusivity, this decision contradicts those claims and tarnishes their credibility.
Alcohol ban began two weeks ago
China Press reported that the restriction reportedly began two weeks ago and has already affected at least three hotels that have hosted non-Muslim weddings.
The hotels were sternly warned against allowing guests to bring alcohol into their premises, including restaurants and banquet halls.
Violations could result in severe penalties, including the revocation of their operating licenses.
Poan expressed confusion over this sudden change, emphasizing that these hotels have consistently operated in compliance with the requirements.
He urged the state government to provide a reasonable explanation and demonstrate that the rights and freedoms of non-Muslims are not being eroded.
Poan concluded by lamenting the potential loss of cultural practices, imagining future Chinese wedding banquets conducted under strict halal conditions.
It’s hard to picture a Chinese wedding without the traditional joyous wine,” he told the Chinese Daily.
