Recently, the issue of alcohol sales has been making headlines nationwide after the Ipoh City Council (MBI) announced that it’s planning to expand the liquor sales ban in Manjoi to premises in other Muslim-majority areas as well, prompting backlash from MCA.
The issue then morphed into a war of words between MCA and Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, who criticised Perak MCA for going against the proposal.
KPKT Minister urges local councils to stick with current status quo on alcohol sales
Nga Kor Ming (right)
Now, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has chimed in on the issue, with its Minister, Nga Kor Ming, urging local councils (PBT) to stick with the existing status quo regarding the sale of alcohol on premises located at Muslim-majority areas in our country.
Sinar Harian quoted Nga as saying that the existing status quo is in place to preserve the harmony and relations of our multicultural society and avoid the issue becoming a political sentiment.
Furthermore, the KPKT Minister told those who can’t drink alcohol to simply not buy alcoholic beverages and that the Ministry can’t stop people who can drink alcohol from consuming the beverages as it’s well within their rights to do so.
Nga asserted,
“On this matter, we want to preserve harmony. For me, we will keep the status quo for the time being as there’s no issue. Those who can’t drink, don’t buy and we also can’t prohibit people who can drink as it’s their right.
“Don’t forget, premises that sell (alcoholic beverages) in any areas all have licences, and their businesses are not businesses that are valid in the eyes of the law.”
For illustration purposes
The KPKT Minister further elaborated that if there are requests from the local community to implement a ban on alcohol sales, the matter must be considered and valued based on the interests of all parties.
So, what do you guys think of Nga’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: “Don’t be stupid!” – Dr Akmal Slams MCA for Protesting Alcohol Ban That’s Already in Place in Perak
