Council slammed over move to remove posters

KOTA BARU: PAS Supporters Congress chairman Hu Pang Chaw has criticised the Kota Baru Municipal Council for telling hair salon operators to remove so-called “sexy posters” from their shops.

“As far as I am concerned, a bylaw was passed 13 years ago requiring all Malay models to wear headscarves in advertisements. So, it does not apply to non-Muslims,” he said.

“I know about this because I was one of those involved in formulating such by-laws when I served one term as a municipal councillor,” he said.

Hu said he could not understand why the council officers would act on such matters when there were more pressing issues such as ensuring the cleanliness of the town or collecting RM19mil in quit rent arrears.

Enforcement officers from the

As far as I am concerned, a bylaw was passed 13 years ago requiring all Malay models to wear headscarves in advertisements. So, it does not apply to non-Muslims. — HU PANG CHAW

council’s Licensing Department have gone on the rounds to advise salon operators to take down such posters from their premises.

Hu said such a move could cause uncertainty within the business community.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the incident had once again showed PAS’ true colours.

“I want to ask DAP – is this a role model shown by the Pakatan Rakyatled government?

“I believe they will say that there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding,” he said.

“I believed PAS had not done so prior to the general election as it wanted to woo the Chinese voters then. Since the general election is over, they are showing their true colours,” he said.

Kelantan MCA secretary Tan Ken Ten said the municipal council should not impose the practice on non-Muslims, describing it as “too extreme”.

“Why is the council making it difficult for the salon operators to carry out their business?” he asked.

Tan, who is Kota Baru MCA chairman, said the party would provide the necessary assistance to the operators.