Kota bharu: Kelantan UMNO has decided to cancel its state-level Aidilfitri open house this year in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call to promote prudent spending. Its chief, Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, announced the decision as part of efforts to manage potential financial strain due to global economic uncertainty. In addition to the open house, a planned iftar gathering at the end of Ramadan has also been postponed.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister urged all ministries, government agencies, and government-linked companies to refrain from organising Aidilfitri open houses this year. The decision, backed by the Cabinet, is intended to signal the government's commitment to a more moderate and prudent approach to spending amidst global economic volatility, triggered by ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Tensions in West Asia have escalated since February 28 following attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, which led to Tehran's retaliatory strikes against US interests in Gulf countries. The situation has contributed to economic uncertainties prompting the Malaysian government to adopt austerity measures.

Commenting on the state economy, Ahmad Jazlan noted that Kelantan's economic growth remains weak without adequate support from the federal government and the private sector. He highlighted that Kelantan's development is often compared with more advanced states, such as Johor and Pahang, which have recorded significant revenue, and Melaka, which has established itself as a tourism-driven state.