KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) has denied approving billboards promoting Oktoberfest, after it was targeted by Muslim groups critical of the beer festival.
In a report by Malay-language daily Sinar Harian today, MBSA deputy corporate director Shahrin Ahmad alleged that the organisers of the Oktoberfest-themed event had put up the billboards without applying to the city council for approval.
“We realise that in Shah Alam, there are many Malay-Muslims. It’s impossible for us to put up such a nonsensical billboard,” Shahrin was quoted saying.
National news agency Bernama quoted Selangor state executive councillor Zaidy Abdul Talib from PAS yesterday as saying that the state government never approved the Oktoberfest festival.
Zaidy reportedly urged MBSA to take firm action against the organisers of the event over the billboards.
Muslim groups, including Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), have taken aim at Oktoberfest this month, claiming the event will tarnish Malaysia’s image as an “Islamic country” and “bring ruin” to the nation.
Although the event is promoted to non-Muslims, several Muslim groups have urged their supporters to rally against the event and venues that serve alcohol as part of the festival.
Oktoberfest is held annually in Malaysia with the two biggest breweries GAB and Carlsberg holding several drinking parties in major towns nationwide.
Oktoberfest was originally celebrated in Munich, Germany to accompany horse races, but has grown into “the world’s largest funfair”, attracting millions of visitors every year.
