
The Entertainment Control and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment Bill will be tabled at the next state legislative assembly session, Bernama reported.
Deputy menteri besar Fadzli Hassan said the bill would also include the introduction of new offences, such as ones that support or normalise LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) activities.
Other offences include activities that undermine racial harmony and unity and insult religion, he said.
“The new bill will see fines increased to RM50,000 from RM20,000 to serve as a deterrent,” Fadzli was quoted as saying.
He said this in response to Norsham Sulaiman (PAS-Semerak) who wanted an update on the progress in amending the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment 1998, which has been in effect for almost 30 years.
Fadzli also said the new bill would empower enforcement officers to carry out investigations and seize equipment, especially electronic devices.