Muslims banned from Hungry Ghost Festival event in Kemaman

Muslims are not allowed to enter a Hungry Ghost Festival event in Kemaman, Terengganu due to concerns that their presence would disrupt the event.

The ban is effective in Kemaman, Terengganu.

The organiser of the event had hung red banners at the event’s entrance and on tents.

“Muslims are not allowed to enter the event site throughout the program (open only to Chinese people),” written on the banners, reported Sin Chew Daily.

The organiser has implemented these measures to avoid unnecessary troubles.

They also reminded performers to dress appropriately and avoid overly revealing outfits to comply with the entertainment guidelines of the state.

The Hungry Ghost Festival event in Kemaman begins today and until August 14.

Recently, the Kuala Terengganu City Council prohibited female singers from performing at the Guan Di Temple’s jubilee celebration, running from July 29 to August 2.

Terengganu executive councillor Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah claimed that the directive was issued because the event was held in an open space, which, according to him, contravened the state entertainment guidelines.

He said that the restriction aimed to prevent possible exposure to Muslim men passing by.

On August 3, DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok called for the state government to rescind the directive. She argued that regulations based on Islam should not be applied to non-Islamic communities.

The Hungry Ghost Festival takes place on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month.

This year, it occurs on August 18.

The celebrations and rituals spanned the entire lunar month, from August 4 to September 3.