KUALA LUMPUR – Banning the sale of liquor in sundry shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicine shops in Kuala Lumpur is an insensitive move and violates the right of the non-Muslims, Tan Kok Wai (Cheras-PH) told Dewan Rakyat.
Debating the Federal Territories Ministry’s budget at the committee stage today, Tan said he objects to Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) plan, which will take effect from October 1, 2021, and urged the government to take a more “open approach” on the matter.
“The banning of the sale of liquor is an insensitive act towards the rights of the non-Muslims, that are enshrined in the federal constitution.
“Is this merely an attempt to restrict the non-Muslims rights? Why is the government trying to deprive non-Muslims of these rights?”
Tan said the ban is anti-business, as many of these sundry and Chinese medicine shops are small-scale and have been gravely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that the move would have a negative impact on the tourism industry in the country’s capital, seeing that Kuala Lumpur is the destination of 90% of inbound travellers.
“Although I agree that rules and regulations on the sale of liquor is required to ensure public safety and order, and that illegal liquor should be banned, the barring of genuine liquor is a violation of rights of business operators.”
Tan also questioned why a similar prohibition is not imposed on cigarettes, considering they contribute to more critical illnesses and there are more smokers compared to alcohol consumers.
“If the government’s concern is driving under the influence, the law has recently been amended in the last Parliament sitting in August. Is the government saying the amendments are insufficient and a failure?”
The amendments in question are for the Road Transport Act 1987, which will now see those causing death while driving under the influence be imprisoned between 10 and 15 years, and fined between RM50,000 and RM100,000. – The Vibes, December 14, 2020
