KOTA BARU – The government has not ruled out the possibility of expanding the ban on the sale of liquor at sundry and grocery shops, convenience stores as well as Chinese medicine shops to other states besides the Federal Territories.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said he welcomed the latest ruling of Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa in disallowing liquor sale in these shops from October next year.
He said the move has received positive feedback from Muslims, as well as non-Muslims.
“Currently, the ban is only applicable to the Federal Territories, but we do not rule out the possibility that it will be expanded to other places.
“We also received positive comments and views from the community, even though there were a few who voiced their disagreement,” he said.
He said this after presenting a house key to single mother Rashidah Semail, 48, during Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YaPEIM)’s MyHaus Inspiration Programme event in Kg Parang Puting, Pengkalan Chepa, today.
Marzuk said that Malaysia is slightly behind in terms of controlling the sale of liquor.
“If we look at our neighbouring country Singapore, it has stricter rules involving several restrictions. However, this is a good start, though it is only being implemented in the Federal Territories.
“This is part of the government's holistic strategy that needs to be supported by all citizens, regardless of religion, race and political affiliation. This is not a political agenda,” he said.
In another development, Marzuk said he supported the implementation of the conditional movement control order (CMCO) in Kelantan starting today until December 6, calling it the best preventive measure to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the community. – Bernama, November 21, 2020
