Nightspots must close at 1.00am or else face action, says Khalid

(MMO) – The closing time for entertainment outlets throughout the city and its outskirts remains unchanged, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad said today.

He said this was discussed during the ministry’s meeting with stakeholders at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall on Tuesday.

“There are 627 entertainment outlets within the vicinity of KL, 173 of which close between 3am and 5am and are situated in both the suburbs and certain outlying areas. The remainder close at 12am, 1am, or 2am, depending on the outlet’s category and location,” Khalid said in a statement.

He said DBKL will not compromise when it comes to any violation of the law or operation regulations, especially if it involves the use of narcotics or prostitution.

“For the first offence, a warning letter will be issued. Should the offence be repeated, it will be met with the closure of the premise and seizure of its assets,” Khalid said.

He added that DBKL will continue to negotiate with the operators of outlets that close at 2am, so that they can be convinced to close at 1am instead.

Khalid had announced on November 29 last year that entertainment outlets in the city must close by 1am starting this year. Exemptions were made for outlets aimed at international tourists which are permitted to close at 5am instead.

The announcement was met with protests by operators and Malaysians online, who complained that closing at 1am is too early.

Others, including Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, said this could affect KL’s tourism market notwithstanding the exemptions.