KOTA BHARU: 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 nationwide, following the move in the Federal Territories.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the matter had received positive feedback from civil society, including Muslims and non-Muslims.
In welcoming the latest ruling of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which will disallow liquor sale in these outlets from next October, he said this was part of the government’s holistic strategy.
“This needs to be supported by all citizens, regardless of religion, race or political affiliation. This is not a political agenda,” he told reporters after presenting the house keys to a single mother Rashidah Semail, 48.
The home gift was under the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation’s MyHaus Inspiration Programme in Kampung Parang Puting, Pengkalan Chepa, here.
Currently, Marzuk said the ban was only applicable to the Federal Territories, but did 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.
Marzuk said Malaysia was slightly behind other nations in terms of controlling the sale of liquor.
“Singapore has stricter rules. However, this is a very good start although it will only be implemented in the Federal Territories for starters,” he said.
