KOTA BARU: The state government today has confirmed that the organisers of the Kelantan Jom Heboh 2023 followed all the rules and conditions set by Kota Baru Municipal Council - Islamic City (MPKB-BRI) including for the concert.
Kelantan Islamic Development, Dakwah, Information and Regional Relations committee chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud said the carnival was also under his department's supervision.
He stressed that the application for a concert in conjunction with the carnival had been applied and approved by MPKB-BRI.
"The organisers agreed to all the rules and conditions that have been set and l was informed by MPKB-BRI licensing officer that his enforcement teams have been asked to monitor the concert from early Maghrib until its end.
"They have reported that the situation was under control and the organisers constantly reminded the audience about the separation of seats (the front area as a family room, women on the left and men on the right).
"The organisers also repeatedly requested the audience to maintain good manners throughout the concert," he said in a statement.
Mohd Asri, who is also Demit assemblyman then thanked all parties involved in the carnival.
"On behalf of the state government, I am grateful to all parties who made the carnival a success in the line with 'Membangun Bersama Islam' (Developing With Islam) especially Media Prima Bhd who gave the nickname 'Jom Heboh - a Syariah Compliant Concept'.
'This is in line with the state government's recommendations involving Islamic activities such as Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam, Friday special morning lectures, Azan and storytelling competitions and MyQurantime," he said.
Mohd Asri said Kelantan, known as 'Negeri Serambi Mekah', welcomed any organisation to hold events events in the state as long as they can follow the conditions set by the state government.
"What is more important is that the organisers must take into account the state's approach which is consistent with the policy of developing with Islam.
Yesterday, PKR Kelantan women's arm called out the state government over a weekend concert in Kota Baru which men and women were reportedly seated together in the audience.
Its chief Nor Azmiza Mamat also questioned the dim lighting in the audience area which it said "can lead to the possibility of unwanted things happening".
She said the state government had previously given its assurance that the show would abide by the entertainment control enactment.
However photographs of the event showed men and women sitting together in violation of the rules.
Nor Azmiza also challenged the comments by the Kelantan deputy menteri besar who had said that the concert organisers would need to comply with local guidelines by separating concertgoers and ensuring performers performed songs which "do not invite controversy."
"Clearly this statement is in contradiction with what happened during the concert regarding the segregation of the audience," Nor Azmiza said.
She called for an explanation from the state government regarding enforcement of concert rules.
The concert was part of the Karnival Jom Heboh which was held in RTC Tunjong for three consecutive days beginning last Thursday. The concert featured performances by local artistes.