KUALA LUMPUR – Attempting to justify the stricter conditions for the sale of alcoholic beverages here, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim argued in the Dewan Rakyat today that developed countries do the same.
He said the prohibitions are not meant to touch on the sensitivity of any race in particular, but to address social problems arising from the consumption of alcohol.
“Developed countries do regulate the sales of alcohol and liquor,” he said during his wind-up following the debate on Budget 2022.
“Singapore, for example, has regulated alcohol sales since 2015, limiting such activities in Geylang and Little India,” he said.
It is understood Geylang and Little India in the island republic have been designated as Liquor Control Zones, whereby alcohol cannot be consumed on certain days and during certain hours.
Shahidan (Arau-BN) then proceeded to remind the House that pubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as shopping malls and supermarkets, can still obtain the licence to sell hard liquor.
As for traditional Chinese medicine shops, operators can still sell alcoholic products approved by the Health Ministry.
However, his explanation led to a commotion, with opposition MPs regarding it as half-baked.
Teresa Kok (Seputeh-PH) pointed out that 6% of alcoholic products comprise hard liquor, while the rest are beer products.
“Not everyone can afford hard liquor as it is expensive,” she said.
“You allow them to be sold in supermarkets, hotels and pubs, but not grocery shops.
“Why are you discriminating against small businesses? They comply with the rules that prohibit sales to minors and Muslims,” Kok added.
Meanwhile, Hannah Yeoh (Segambut-PH) reminded Shahidan that during a consultation with MPs of constituencies under the Federal Territories, he had promised a win-win solution. She accused Shahidan of breaking his pledge.
In reply, he said that consultations were conducted with manufacturers, bottlers, suppliers, and business operators who gave positive feedback over the move towards stricter regulations.
He added that the Federal Territories Ministry also plans to combat the sale of illegal alcoholic products such as samsu.
Touching on concerns about grocery shops being restricted from selling alcohol, Shahidan said that the ministry will consider licence applications from them on a case-by-case basis.
This then prompted Kok to highlight that illegal liquor such as samsu are made and sold privately, not at convenience stores such as the well-known KK Mart and 99 Speedmart outlets.
She also took the opportunity to highlight contradictions by Shahidan who had earlier mentioned that convenience stores and grocery shops are prohibited from selling liquor, but later saying their licence applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
She pointed this out while referring to Shahidan as “pak cik (uncle)”.
This made him retort: “You accuse me of being pak cik when you are the mak cik (aunty).”
As Kok continued her persistent questioning over the matter, Shahidan then asked the Seputeh MP what her involvement in alcohol is.
“Are you involved in alcohol as a drinker or seller?” he questioned her. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
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