Water Recreation Park “Strictly for Muslims”?

A water park near Sungai Petani has generated ripples of interest not only for its recreational attractions but due to an odd feature – it limits the use of its pools to Muslims only. The Vibes reported that a staff member of the Park reasoned that the facility is small and the management caters to local villagers in the nearby Kuala Muda area who are predominantly Muslims. Non-Muslims are welcome but are not to use the pools. 

The Berangan Aqua Park is located at Kampung Kelang Makau, which is surrounded by tranquil padi fields and cottage homes. It is classified as a tourism product on the Internet. Netizens have also apparently branded it as "Muslim only".  A video posted on YouTube to promote the park describes it as 'Taman Tema Air Muslim Pertama di Utara Semenanjung Malaysia' (first Muslim water theme park in northern Peninsular Malaysia). 

The water park was launched in 2021. It was reported in September that year that the facility was designed to handle up to 50,000 visitors annually. The owner is a diversified local company called the Berangan Group. The chairperson reportedly told Sinar Harian that the daily capacity was about 100 to 130 persons whereas during the Covid-19 pandemic it was restricted to 30 and 50 persons daily. The theme park is nestled in a semi-rural village setting.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

Instead of opposing the move of a water theme park restricting entry of non-Muslims to its pool facility by branding it racist, lawyer and social activists Siti Kasim has welcomed the move. The outspoken social critic justified that this would allow others to enjoy public facilities unfettered by what the conservative elements think. After all, she contended that having a Muslim-only facility was great for those who wish to only mix with people of their own kind and more specifically, those who shared the same ideology of what is permissible and prohibited.

If it is restricted to Muslims only, does it go against the spirit of the formation of Malaysia as a multi-ethnic nation with strong tolerance and understanding? It may also go against the spirit of 'Madani' espoused by the Malaysian government which promotes understanding and goodwill. And do we stop here?

References:

Water recreation park raises eyebrows with ‘strictly Muslims’ policy, Ian McIntyre, The Vibes, 2 February 2024

Siti Kassim gives thumb-up for a Muslim-only water park? R. Bala, Focus Malaysia, 

5 February 2024