KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid has apologised for an earlier statement that liquor is not allowed to be sold at any premises during the lockdown.
Reaching out to The Vibes, he said he had received clarification from the National Security Council (NSC) that the sale of alcohol is permitted in convenience stores and supermarkets licensed to sell such products and operating during the lockdown.
Rosol further clarified that only premises exclusively selling liquor will not be allowed to operate or sell the beverages during this period.
“The statement I gave to you (The Vibes) earlier today is an error, and I regret it and apologise to the public for that.
“When I checked with NSC, I was informed that convenience stores and supermarkets that sell alcohol can continue doing so.
“But if a store specifically sells liquor, then they cannot operate.”
Earlier today, Rosol told The Vibes that the sale of alcoholic beverages at any premises is prohibited, as they are categorised as a non-essential item by NSC.
However, cigarettes, which are also listed as non-essential, can be sold to cater to the needs of those with a smoking addiction during this period, he added.
“We cannot stop its (cigarettes) sale, otherwise there will be problems. Only smokers will understand. Without cigarettes, it will be a huge burden for them.”
This has led to confusion and questions if there is a measure of selectiveness in what is forbidden during the lockdown and what is not.
In clarifying his statement on the sale of cigarettes, Rosol said the reason the product is allowed to be sold, despite not being considered an essential item, is because it can be found in almost all stores.
In a separate statement, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall said premises that solely sell alcohol will not be allowed to operate throughout the lockdown period.
“However, its (alcohol) sale is still allowed in convenience stores and supermarkets.”
It also reminded that all food outlets (for delivery and takeaways), as well as grocery and convenience stores, can operate only from 8am to 8pm, as per government standard operating procedures. – The Vibes, June 4, 2021
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