The Influence of the By-Laws in Shaping Intended Societal Behaviour: A Case Study in Kelantan

Abstract

Local government is the closest level of government to the local community and identified as the third level of government after the federal and the state government. Local government are regulated under the Local Government Act 1976 and each has their own power to enact by-laws under their respective administration area. By-laws is a formulation of the law under the jurisdiction of local government in performing its duties and functions covering the administrative area that has been identified by the state government. Some of the by-laws play a part in shaping the behavior of the societies, especially in local government areas which are quite different approach such as Kota Bharu Municipal Council of Islamic Cities (MPKB-BRI) and others local government located at Kelantan. By-laws implemented by local government in Kelantan are very much different compared to local government in other states in Malaysia which is the provisions of the by-laws that focused on Islamic by-laws such as ban on unisex salons, enforcement of board guidelines advertisement that prohibit an advertisements that do not cover the aurat and the enforcement of proper clothing covering the aurat among the Muslim community and dressing politely for non-Muslims that suggests the aurat closure and wearing appropriate clothing among traders, business premises owners and also the societies. The objective of this study is to review the extent and impact of the by-laws implemented by local government at Kelantan in influencing and shaping the behavior of the local societies to become guideline for the other local government at Malaysia. Keywords: Local Government, By-laws, Islamic By-laws & Jurisdiction