Organiser apologises for retro disco event, venue owner fined RM25,000

PETALING JAYA: The organiser of a retro disco and 1960s, 1970s and 1980s hippie-themed event at a riverside restaurant in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, has apologised and sought to clarify that the gathering was misrepresented in viral social media posts.

Berita Harian reported that the woman, who identified herself on Facebook as Fykaaschaa Kaka, said she accepted the state government’s law and regulations.

However, the woman explained that the event was only a small, private gathering attended by family members and close friends.

“We were simply getting together with family and friends while celebrating a birthday.

“Most of those present were married couples, families and children. It wasn’t a place for romantic encounters, drunken behaviour or the use of prohibited substances.

“The ticket fee was only to cover the cost of food, hall rental and the games organised during the event,” she said.

Separately, the Kota Bharu Municipal Council said it had issued a RM25,000 compound to the owner of the premises for organising the entertainment event without a licence.

In a statement, the council said the compound was issued yesterday after officers from its licensing department and enforcement division met the premises owner and the event organiser for an explanation.

It said investigations into the event were conducted under the Kelantan Entertainment Control and Places of Entertainment Enactment 2025.

“Several other compounds were also issued to the premises owner for operating a business without a licence, as provided under the council’s Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing By-Laws 2019,” it said.

If the restaurant owner fails to settle the compound within seven days, legal action will be taken under the law, which provides for a jail term of up to five years, a maximum fine of RM50,000, or both.

State executive councillor Hilmi Abdullah yesterday said the council had received public complaints about the event and that investigations were ongoing.

A promotional poster for the event went viral on Facebook, triggering mixed reactions and calls for the authorities to investigate. The event allegedly featured activities such as dancing, games, lucky draws and a King and Queen of the Night contest, with an entry fee of RM35.

Premises owner Fara Sharina Zamari said the restaurant was not involved in organising the July 3 event and that she was overseas when it took place.