Disallowing eateries from operating until past midnight to reduce social ills is among the proposals to be discussed at the National Social Council meeting next week.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim said another proposal was limiting the operating hours of entertainment outlets in tackling the worsening problem.

“We take note that many developed countries have set certain rules with regard to night activities, such as those aged 18 and below are forbidden from being out of their home after 11pm.

“Eateries, meanwhile, are only allowed to operate until midnight, for instance. There is also no compromise on entertainment outlets that exceed the set operating hours, or action will be taken.

“But it’s different here (in Malaysia) due to the presence of many who require the services of this industry, such as tourists, foreign migrants and so so. The leeway has contributed to social ills.”

Shahidan said this in reply to a supplementary question from Senator Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki in the Dewan Negara yesterday, on measures taken by the government in tackling social ills.

He said a “serious note” would be included in the working paper to be presented at the National Social Council meeting for the parties involved to find common ground.

“This effort (curbing social ills) requires the cooperation of the Tourism and Culture Minister, local authorities like Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and other parties.”

Shahidan said the issue was also hotly debated in the social media, hence the government needed to consider the views of the food and entertainment industry players, as their services were required by both domestic and foreign tourists.

- Bernama