KUALA LUMPUR – The recent move to close an outlet selling liquor was based on standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council (NSC), which clearly states that alcohol does not come under essential services, says Brickfields police chief Anuar Omar.
“Please check instructions from the NSC dated June 2, where it clearly states that only essential and approved food and drink can be sold, and alcohol is not essential and not approved by the NSC.
“You should also ask the NSC about this as it sets the SOPs, not me,” he told The Vibes in a WhatsApp message.
Brickfields police recently ordered an outlet to shut down over selling alcohol, following a complaint that premises selling only alcohol had not received approval from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) as a retailer of essential food and beverages.
Police inspection on the premises found that it only sells liquor, considered a non-essential commodity. The business operator then complied with police instructions to close.
A check on the NSC SOPs by The Vibes found it is stated that supermarkets, hypermarkets, pharmacies, personal care stores, convenience stores and mini marts, as well as departmental stores, are restricted to operating food, beverage and necessities sections only.
Anuar declined to comment further on the matter and suggested that The Vibes take this matter up with the NSC.
“I have no comments after this. Ask the minister,” he said.
Who to follow?
Last night, Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had expressed surprise at the actions of the police officers who ordered the business premises to close during the current movement control order (MCO 3.0) lockdown for selling alcohol.
The minister said that 7-Eleven outlets, which also sell alcohol, can stay open.
This shows that the NSC and the police are not on the same page, and clarity on the matter is needed as miscommunication between the two authorities on the SOPs have left citizens confused as to who to follow.
“Who do we follow? NSC say can do, then police say cannot do, NSC say cannot do but police say it is okay to do,” said a business operator who wanted to remain anonymous.
“Not only are we fighting to curb the spread of Covid-19, but we must put up with this. Can’t they be on the same page?”
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, when contacted on the matter, said he will get the matter clarified. – The Vibes, June 4, 2021
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