GEORGE TOWN – Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong has objected against the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s new policy requiring coffee shops selling beers to apply for a new licence starting January 1.
Ong questioned why the government seems to pressure small traders like coffee shop owners to apply for such licences during the pandemic period, when there were no issues that arose prior to this.
“The previous prevalence of beer sales in the country had not been licensed since the time we gained independence,” he said in a statement today.
He said it is commonly known that licensing enforcement on the sale of liquor served in restaurants and coffee shops nationwide is currently under the jurisdiction of the Customs Department.
“The liquor licensing fee for coffee shops set at RM1,300 per year is too high, and this amount will become a burden on these small traders – especially in a situation where people are currently squeezed by the rising prices of goods, and it adds pressure on coffee shop traders charged with a high licensing fee.
“The government seems to be acting to suppress the fortunes of traders, and the situation could get worse if these traders are forced to close shops or cannot sell beer for a living.
“It is even more unfortunate that if these traders do not have a licence, they would face legal action in court and a fine of up to RM50,000, if convicted.
“Therefore, I hope the federal government will be more concerned about issues affecting the non-Muslim community,” Ong said.
As PAS is currently part of the federal government, Ong queried whether such a decision had been made with the presence of a minister from MCA.
“Does the MCA minister (Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong) agree with the government’s decision?
“Perhaps MCA can answer the people on this matter,” Ong added. – The Vibes, December 7, 2021
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