25 groups rally against festivals celebrating alcohol, LGBT community

SHAH ALAM: Some 25 non-governmental organisations came together yesterday to protest against festivals that celebrated alcohol and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Malaysia.

The group’s spokesman, Nazilah Idris, said they were strongly against such activities being held openly.

“We urge the government to not approve permits or requests to organise any festivals that insult the sanctity of Islam. This is a threat to the Islamic institution.

“We also call on the government to enact a law to permit alcohol consumption only in the house or closed areas.

“People should be prohibited from drinking alcohol outside or in public areas, and from organising festivals that promote drinking.

“Will an event like the Better Beer Festival 2017 do any good for Malaysians? Can the organiser of the event answer this? I’m sure they can’t because nothing is good about such events,” said the Selangor Community Complaints Bureau chairman.

About 100 people took part in the protest after Friday prayers.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun had, on Sept 21, said police had advised the Kuala Lumpur City Hall against allowing the beer festival to be held in Kuala Lumpur for security reasons.

Police, he said, had received information on militants planning to sabotage the event.

The first Better Beer Festival was held in 2012 at Taps Beer Bar in Changkat Bukit Bintang.