ALOR STAR – Kedah will limit the sale of alcohol in Malay-Muslim majority areas.
State Health and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman told the Kedah assembly today that the local council will plan and implement curbs on alcohol sales effectively.
He said in the event that alcohol outlets are found to have violated the authority’s requirements, their licences will be revoked.
Dr Hayati – who is PAS’ assemblyman for Tokai – was replying to a written question from Amanah assemblyman for Kubang Rotan Mohd Asmirul Anuar Aris, who asked when gambling and alcohol outlets in the state are going to be banned.
Dr Hayati, however, declined to state when the policy will be implemented.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had previously told the state assembly that alcohol sales would be limited, with the exception of Langkawi.
Dr Hayati reiterated that the state will not renew local council business licences of gambling outlets.
Asmirul, in a supplementary question, asked what measures will the state take to handle online gambling, as some of his constituents are spending as much as RM1,200 a month on illegal betting.
He added that these punters enjoy impunity and are granted affordable bail after being charged in court.
Dr Hayati hopes that police – who are experienced in combating online illegal gambling syndicates – will address the issue. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
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