KUALA LUMPUR – Kedah is attempting to regulate the sale of alcohol in non-Muslim-populated districts, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said.
PAS organ Harakahdaily quoted him saying that the sale of alcohol is allowed in these areas but only at permitted premises.
“It cannot be sold openly in areas such as villages.
“The state administration is committed to limiting liquor sales and ensuring that they do not exceed more than what is needed,” he said.
His statements to Harakahdaily did not specify the form of controls.
In November 2021, Sanusi had also said Kedah would be controlling liquor sales when announcing plans to close all gaming outlets in the state effective January this year.
He said controls and limitations were necessary to maintain harmony between the various races, while not denying non-Muslims their freedom to drink alcohol.
“I want people to be controlled from such things as drunkenness.
“However, even if there is no prohibition on non-Muslims drinking, it is still recommended to abstain from alcohol since it is not healthy,” he said.
Sanusi said Singapore was also strict in regulating alcohol sales and consumption.
He further noted that the Finance Ministry is responsible for regulating the sale of alcohol on the duty-free island of Langkawi, which is in Kedah, and not the state government. – The Vibes, January 11, 2023
