Local government and housing committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah, who tabled the bill for the second and third reading, said it sought to enforce shariah-based regulations on entertainment venues and related matters.

“It is undeniable that entertainment appeals to human beings, as it combines beautiful language, unique culture, and artistry that evoke positive emotions,” he said, according to a Bernama report.

“The state government is committed to preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of the local community to prevent it from being lost in time, and to ensure the survival of local artistes by enabling entertainment activities based on Islamic principles to be carried out in Kelantan.”

Hilmi said the bill aimed to improve the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment 1998, which had not been amended in 26 years.

“This new enactment addresses these legal gaps and ensures more effective enforcement, while continuing to uphold Islamic values in entertainment, in line with our policy of development alongside Islam,” he said.

It was previously reported that the bill includes provisions for increasing fines of up to RM50,000 for offences such as unrestricted mingling between men and women.

Other changes include banning entertainment activities that promote or contain unethical elements, such as supporting LGBT behaviour, disrupting racial harmony, and insulting religion.