MUSLIMS here should not rule out working in the upcoming integrated resorts where there are jobs, as long as it is not in their gaming sections, said Minister Yaacob Ibrahim on Sunday.

This issue has been discussed extensively with the Mufti, the highest Islamic authority here, and other religious leaders, he added.

'We are very clear. Just exclude ourselves from the gaming part. The rest you can work. It shouldn't be a problem,' said Dr Yaacob, Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs, at a dialogue with Punggol East residents and grassroots volunteers.

He was responding to resident Adilah Mohammad Yussof, 38, who had asked how the Muslim community would be involved in the integrated resorts.

Hers was one of nine questions raised at the one-hour dialogue at CHIJ St Joseph's Convent.

Other questions ranged from the performance of Malay students in PSLE, to how long the recession would last.

Dr Yaacob said while Muslims could work elsewhere if they felt uncomfortable working in Integrated Resorts, he advised them against creating unnecessary barriers for themselves.

'We must not also push ourselves in a corner. The integrated resort is huge. There are other facilities in the IR: convention (centre), hotels. The gaming part is only a small portion.'

He cited the example of many Muslims working in hotels that serve alcohol, but who do other jobs such as serving guests at the front desk, or as bellboys or hotel administrators.

'Are you saying we shouldn't work there because alcohol is being served? If we do that it would be very restrevcitive for Muslim Singaporeans.'

He said he was confident that Muslim Singaporeans would make the right choices about jobs in the integrated resorts, especially in these harder times.

'I'd be very sad if Muslims do not want to work there when things are very bad, because you want to work in a pure halal establishment.'