Latest news with #HilmiAbdullah
The Sun
20-07-2025
- The Sun
Kelantan cites faith, community in curbing LGBT-linked activities
KOTA BHARU: Activities linked to the LGBT community in Kelantan remain under control due to strict enforcement, strong religious values, and active community involvement. State Local Government, Housing, Health, and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah credited public vigilance for helping authorities monitor and address suspicious behaviour. 'In Kelantan, if something seems unusual, people report it quickly to the authorities,' he told Bernama. Areas previously known for immoral activities, such as Jalan Hamzah and Lorong Limau Manis, have seen revitalisation efforts, including a new shopping centre in Jalan Hamzah. Hilmi noted that the Kota Bharu Municipal Council – Islamic City (MPKB-BRI) conducts regular patrols, and no recent reports of immoral activities have been filed. However, he acknowledged that any remaining cases likely involve foreigners or non-locals. On July 17, Kelantan police raided a private LGBT-related gathering at a bungalow in Jalan Kemumin, following public complaints and intelligence gathered by a special task force. Over 20 men were involved in the incident.
Barnama
20-07-2025
- Barnama
Kelantan Cites Faith, Community In Curbing Lgbt-linked Activities
KOTA BHARU, July 20 (Bernama) -- Activities linked to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in Kelantan remain under control due to consistent enforcement, strong religious values and close community vigilance. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the community's alertness and willingness to report suspicious behaviour have played a key role. 'In Kelantan, if something seems unusual, people report it quickly to the authorities,' he told Bernama today.
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kelantan govt: LGBT activities under control due to religious, cultural values
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government maintains that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities in the state remains under control due to strong religious and cultural values, as well as close-knit community ties that deter such practices. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said that while LGBT individuals would continue to exist globally, Kelantan's unique social environment has helped contain the spread of such activities. "So long as the world has not ended, the LGBT community will continue to exist. "However, in Kelantan, things are more contained because our society prioritises religious teachings, cultural norms, and strong community bonds. "People here are quick to report suspicious or inappropriate activity to the authorities," he said. Hilmi acknowledged that areas in Kota Baru such as Jalan Hamzah and Lorong Limau Manis were once regarded as hotspots for vice activities, particularly before the state government was ruled by Pas. "These places used to be known for prostitution before Pas took over. "However, the sites have since been demolished and replaced with developments. "Such activities have been eradicated completely," he added. Hilmi said that if any such incidents occur now, they are likely to involve foreigners. "The state government hopes the public will immediately report any illegal activity they come across," he said. He said there have been no recent reports of such activities in the mentioned areas, and that the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) continues to monitor the situation. "There is no indication of active vice-related activity currently, and we have not received any complaints to date," he said. It is learnt that besides Jalan Hamzah and Lorong Limau Manis, another popular spot for gay men in Kota Baru was Jalan Kuala Krai. Villager Mohamad Soh said at least 15 gay men rented a house in Jalan Kuala Krai in the 1980s, and they would normally carry out such activities during the night. "I still remember when I was a teenager, I saw them dressed as women and waiting for customers in dark alleyways. "Their customers would then take them in vehicles to a certain destination," he added. Mohamad said such immoral activities, however, came to a halt after Pas took over the Kelantan government in 1990.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- The Sun
Kelantan maintains vape sale ban, no licences issued since 2013
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has reiterated its policy of not allowing the sale of vape products in the state, having not issued any business licences for such sales since 2013. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the move was not intended to ban individual use, but to control access to vape products, particularly among teenagers and students. 'We have not issued any license for vape sale at any premises since 2013. Kelantan, along with Johor, are among the earliest states to take this stand,' he told reporters after the State Executive Council meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex, here today. Hilmi was responding to questions about the need to enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which was passed in Parliament last year. According to him, the removal of nicotine from the First Schedule of Poisons under the Poisons Act 1952 means that vape can now be sold legally, as long as no specific regulations are enforced. 'With nicotine no longer listed under the Poisons Act, vape sales are now open due to the lack of a main regulatory body. Until Act 852 is fully enforced, gaps in regulatory control will persist,' he said. Meanwhile, Hilmi said the local authorities in Kelantan have continued to carry out regular enforcement operations to curb unlicenced vape sales. 'In 2024, a total of 40 operations were conducted, with 67 seizures. Between January and March 2025, 10 operations were conducted and 16 seizures were recorded,' he said. He stressed that repeat offenders risk strict action, including business licence revocation and permanent closure. Hilmi also acknowledged ongoing challenges in addressing illegal sales, especially through online platforms that fall outside local jurisdiction. 'Our enforcement authority is limited to the local level. Online sales are difficult to control because the federal government still permits open vape sales. This continues to allow unauthorised distribution,' he added.
Barnama
18-06-2025
- Barnama
Kelantan Maintains Vape Sale Ban, No Licences Issued Since 2013
KOTA BHARU, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan government has reiterated its policy of not allowing the sale of vape products in the state, having not issued any business licences for such sales since 2013. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the move was not intended to ban individual use, but to control access to vape products, particularly among teenagers and students. 'We have not issued any license for vape sale at any premises since 2013. Kelantan, along with Johor, are among the earliest states to take this stand,' he told reporters after the State Executive Council meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex, here today. Hilmi was responding to questions about the need to enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which was passed in Parliament last year. According to him, the removal of nicotine from the First Schedule of Poisons under the Poisons Act 1952 means that vape can now be sold legally, as long as no specific regulations are enforced. 'With nicotine no longer listed under the Poisons Act, vape sales are now open due to the lack of a main regulatory body. Until Act 852 is fully enforced, gaps in regulatory control will persist,' he said. Meanwhile, Hilmi said the local authorities in Kelantan have continued to carry out regular enforcement operations to curb unlicenced vape sales. 'In 2024, a total of 40 operations were conducted, with 67 seizures. Between January and March 2025, 10 operations were conducted and 16 seizures were recorded,' he said. He stressed that repeat offenders risk strict action, including business licence revocation and permanent closure.
