Kelantan council probing ‘unlicensed’ retro disco, hippie-themed event

PETALING JAYA: The Kota Bharu Municipal Council has launched a probe into a retro disco and hippie-themed entertainment event inspired by the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, reportedly held without a licence.

Executive councillor Hilmi Abdullah said the council received complaints from the public about the event, which was believed to have been held at a well-known restaurant along the Kelantan river.

“The council informed us that investigations are ongoing and action is being taken.

“The programme was also found to have breached the 2003 Entertainment Control Guidelines and State Circular No 4 of 2003,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Hilmi, the state local government, housing, health and environment committee chairman, said that organising an event without a licence is an offence under Section 7 of the Control of Entertainment and Places of Entertainment (Kelantan) Enactment 2005.

He said if the premises were misused, the owner’s business licence could be revoked for breaching conditions under the council’s Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing By-Laws 2019.

Participants of the event may also face action under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019.

A promotional poster for the event went viral on Facebook, triggering mixed reactions and calls for the authorities to investigate.

The poster said the event, which allegedly took place on the night of July 3, featured activities such as dancing, games, lucky draws and a King and Queen of the Night contest, with an entry fee of RM35.