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Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim

SHAH ALAM: There is no ban on Muslims working in outlets selling liquor, only a condition set by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) to remind them of the inappropriateness of working in such outlets, said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

He said the reminder was just an effort by MPSJ to reduce the number of Muslims working in nightclubs.

Khalid added, however, that the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) had the power to take action on Muslims working in nightclubs.

The state government would be looking into implementing the condition into its by-laws, but only after a thorough study, which will take at least six months, he told reporters after meeting 12 local council presidents Monday.

Out of 170 premises in Subang, Khalid said 13 did not follow the Syariah Criminal Enactment of Selangor.

"The 13 premises consisted 140 muslim workers," he said.

He said the letters issued by MPSJ to such premises would not be retracted as it was an unenforceable condition.

"It doesn't affect the businesses from renewing their licences," he added.

On Jan 15, it was reported that confusion reigned over the MPSJ directive banning Muslims from working in entertainment outlets serving liquor.

The state government had then announced it was setting up a special fund to help Muslims who had to give up their jobs in these outlets following the directive. -TheStar