00:00The Penang Islamic Religious Department has barred a temple association from hosting a
00:05Hari Raya Idol Fitri Open House event on grounds that the celebration is a Muslim religious
00:10activity.
00:11In a letter dated March 3, JHEAIPP Department Director Marzuki Hassan said the department
00:18received a complaint from Persatuan Ana'janti Melayu over the Tianheok-Kyong Association's
00:23event.
00:24In a letter cited by FMT, Marzuki said all Islamic religious activities, including celebration
00:29celebrations related to Hari Raya Idol Fitri, required permission from the Penang Islamic
00:34Religious Council.
00:36The association, however, explained in a letter to the JHEAIPP dated April 5, that the open
00:43house was intended to foster unity, strengthen ties of friendship, and reinforce harmony in
00:48the local community.
00:50Its secretary, Ng Chung Siong, said the event was carefully planned after advice from the
00:55Nang National Unity and Integration Department and discussions with local mosque leaders,
01:01Surau leaders, and community representatives who had agreed to it.
01:05The association also said it had agreed to revise the original poster, including the event's
01:10title, organize your name, and venue after receiving feedback from several quarters that the initial
01:16version was somewhat inappropriate.
01:19Don Ishar Jereza, FMT.
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