IN a move that will possibly open up more employment opportunities for women in Terengganu, the state government has directed Muslim-owned FnB (food and beverage) outlets and supermarkets to close between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Fridays.
The Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) mayor Rosli Latif nevertheless clarified that the directive is only for Muslim-owned businesses or those with Muslim-male staff.
As reported in HarakahDaily, the closure of the premises will come into effect on January 12 and will be implemented during every Friday prayer hours.
“Following the spread of the previously viral business closure notice that caused misunderstandings, we would like to clarify that only the closure involves all supermarkets and food shops or stalls owned by Muslims only,” Rosli pointed out.
“Non-Muslim-owned restaurants can operate as usual unless they have Muslim employees. If such is the case, the outlet needs to be closed and allow their Muslim workers to perform Friday prayers.”
Interestingly, the move has possibly opened up more employment opportunities for women workers as Rosli has stated that restaurants managed by female employees can operate during those times. However, a special application must be made to MBKT for those premises to remain open.
“There has to be special approval and we will do monitoring. They must make an undertaking with the conditions of the license being issued,” explained Rosli. “The restaurant can operate as long as there is special permission from MBKT.”
Meanwhile, business premises can be compounded up to RM1,000 or have their business license revoked in accordance with the MBKT by-laws for non-abidance. of the existing law.
It is unclear if the directive will be implemented state-wide or is being restricted to Kuala Terengganu for the time being.
With the state population being overwhelmingly Malay-Muslim, most businesses affected by the ruling will probably have Muslim men in their employment. As such, this will definitely open up more employment opportunities for women in the state.
It is quite simple; just employ women staff to run the show and these businesses can open during the stipulated hours. This is definitely an opportunity for the women folk to seize upon. – Jan 11, 2024
Main pic credit: Murai MY
