Malaysian town to soon have a Muslim 'pub'

Kuala Lumpur, May 7 : The Municipal Council in Kuantan, Malaysia, has proposed that a Muslim pub be opened where patrons could enjoy soft drinks and fruit juices.

"I think we should have a Muslim pub as it will allow those who want clean entertainment to unwind at such an outlet," the council's president Datuk Azizan Ahmad was quoted by the New Strait Times, as saying.

He was speaking during a dialogue between the police, council and entertainment outlet operators.

Azizan said it was not a new idea as such a pub was already operational in the United Kingdom.

The first Muslim pub opened in Oldham, Greater Manchester, last month where visitors are served non-alcoholic drinks.

The pub, which caters mainly to men, has a restaurant and prayer and steam room. Customers only listen to traditional Islamic music.

Azizan later said the council wanted to encourage entertainment outlet operators to improve their image as the industry has always been associated with vice and other negative elements.

ANI