GEORGE TOWN, April 9 — Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department has directed a Chinese temple association in Butterworth to cancel its planned Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house.
Stating that the celebration is a Muslim religious activity under the jurisdiction of the Penang State Islamic Religious Council.
The decision followed a complaint from a local group, with authorities emphasising that such events require proper approval.
In response, Thean Hock Keong association said the event aimed to promote unity and community harmony, not religious sensitivity.
Organisers noted that halal food arrangements and consultations with local leaders had been made. Despite expressing disappointment, the association said it would respect the directive and cancel the programme.
