Kelantan govt: LGBT activities under control due to religious, cultural values

New Straits Times

7 days ago

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.