Politicians bemoan city hall’s liquor sale rules

KUALA LUMPUR – Politicians from both sides of the political divide have called for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to reverse its ban on the sale of liquor at grocers, convenience stores, and Chinese medicinal shops.

The parliamentarians of Kuala Lumpur said the new rules, which came into effect yesterday were “very unfair” and had pressured and burdened the non-Muslim community.

“The ban restricts the rights of businesses to trade and sell goods that are legal, and makes matters difficult for non-Muslim customers in Kuala Lumpur,” the parliamentarians said in a statement.

“We respect Islam. In fact, we know that alcohol is forbidden for Muslims. But what is haram to Muslims cannot be imposed on non-Muslims, especially in the case of eating and drinking.”

The MPs said these rights were guaranteed by the country’s forefathers of independence and are the backbone of the federal constitution.

The joint-statement was issued by Tan Kok Wai (Cheras-DAP), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang-DAP), Teresa Kok (Seputeh-DAP), Lim Lip Eng (Kepong-DAP), Hannah Yeoh (Segambut-DAP), Datin Dr Tan Yee Kew (Wangsa Maju-PKR), and Prabakaran Parameswaran (Batu-PKR).

The politicians said sellers of liquor beverages are small businesses owned and managed by non-Muslims. They said the profits made are only from non-Muslim customers, and is an important source of income for the stores involved.

“DBKL’s new ban on the sale of liquor in convenience stores and Chinese medicinal halls shows that the government is trying to restrict their right to do business.”

“It also does not respect the culture of non-Muslims who usually consume alcohol in moderation, either for health or for culinary purposes.”

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the MCA Federal Territories liaison committee, and residential associations of Seputeh, Bukit Bintang, Kepong, and Segambut expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the ban.

“This ban strikes at the capital city’s spirit of openness and driving business entrepreneurship. It puts our modern era into reverse gear,” MCA Federal Territories state liaison committee chairman Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting said in a statement.

Nicole said the decision goes against the government’s “Malaysian Family” concept aimed at fostering unity between races.

“DBKL’s current implementation counters such values. Not only are stakeholders and the public disappointed, foreign tourists and foreign investments will also be discouraged.”

“Additionally, some businesses may have to reduce their business scale or shut operations completely. This will result in unemployment and financial losses, thereby jeopardising the government’s efforts to promote our nation’s economic recovery.” – The Vibes, November 2, 2021