Reduce drug addiction in Kelantan first instead of focusing on gender segregation at cinemas

If the mulling by the PAS Kelantan state government to open cinemas was meant to be a “progressive” move in the state ie allowing some form of entertainment to be broadcasted, the strict conditions imposed in particular, gender segregation is self-defeatist.

Will the “sit-apart” requirement be coerced unto non-Muslims too? If yes, then it shows that PAS’ religious-based state regulations affects the rights of non-Muslims too to be together. However, even if applicable against Muslims only, the implementation breaks up Muslim family members who want to enjoy watching movies as a family.

However, if non-Muslims are allowed to sit together and non-Muslims compelled to sit apart, this situation polarises society as it could possibly pit Muslim grievances against non-Muslims. Not only are couples and families divided, PAS’ regulations will split Muslims and non-Muslims apart too, unhealthy and unwise in Malaysia’s multiracial society.

Similar to the Taliban or even IS regimes, PAS wants to exercise full control into the daily lives of the population whilst skipping addressing other real issues affecting the state.

Introduce programmes for youths

PAS enforces sweeping prohibitions without any form of empirical evidence or statistics. It is so simple to blurt out that “cinemas cause social ills” without any proof at all.

PAS should be serious about tackling youth unemployment in its East Coast state. PAS should introduce sports or wholesome activities for its students, or motivational programmes to keep them in school.

It has been reported that some youngsters as young as 12 years were already abusing drugs. In one exercise, urine samples of 250 out of 5,200 tested tested positive for pil kuda [ecstasy pill or methamphetamine], heroin and daun air ketum [kratom leaves that cause addiction] (astroawani.com, 28 July 2015)” ie drug consumption and even addiction; in short, dadah abuse - the real social ills.

Kelantan police have reported that “police detained an average of 60 addicts a day in the state and of the total, 90% were youths. On average an estimated 1,500 youths are being involved in methamphetamine addiction a month. The increase in the number methamphetamine addicts, leads to a rise in sexual crimes and motorcycle theft (Bernama, 26 Feb 2014).”

The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) also reported that overall number of drug addicts in Kelantan had risen to 3,289 addicts in 2015 compared to 2,426 drug abusers in 2014. AADK cited the increase in the number of addicts due to acute poverty and problems encountered at studies (astroawani.com, 15 Feb 2016).

Dato’ Ng Chok Sin
MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Deputy Chairman
MCA Selangor State Liaison Committee Secretary

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