The Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) has suspended the business licence of a Melaka hotel accused of being “gay-friendly.”
MPHTJ president Sapiah Haron said the 70-year-old owner met council officials yesterday to apologize and explain.
Temporary suspension and fines
“The licence is on hold and resumes only after full compliance with all conditions,” she told Berita Harian.
The owner owned up to negligent website promotions by hotel management.
A compound fine was issued under MPHTJ 2011 Hotel By-Laws. Authorities vow fair, cautious enforcement.
Checks showed unpaid 2024 heritage fees, unregistered activities, and missing local counter staff.
“We directed the owner to always station at least one local employee at the counter,” Sapiah added.
Raid finds no shariah breach
Tuesday’s joint raid by Melaka Islamic religious affairs department and council turned up no violations of state shariah enactments.
Religious affairs executive councillor Rahmad Mariman said they seized the licence for probes since the owner was absent.
The hotel shut for a day as the owner faced summons over “gay-friendly” claims.
SME group raises concerns
The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia condemned the raid and closure.
It questioned enforcement despite no Syariah Criminal Offences (State of Malacca) Enactment 1991 breaches.
The group decried acting first on viral social media claims then justifying later, saying it endangers businesses.
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