'Alcohol ban mere proposal, not approved by Ipoh Council'
Published: Jan 19, 2025 8:23 PM
Summary
Summary
- Ipoh city councillor Wong Kar Keat clarifies that the proposal to expand an alcohol sales ban in the Perak capital was just a suggestion in a meeting which didn’t get unanimous support.
- He says decisions on alcohol sales should be left to business owners and not regulated by the local government, stressing that the council should not act as a moral police.
Ipoh City Council councillor Wong Kar Keat has clarified that the proposal to ban alcohol sales in Muslim-majority residential areas was merely a suggestion from certain groups.
He was responding to Ipoh mayor Rumaizi Baharin’s claims regarding the proposal, adding that the city council had not approved it.
“Upon further investigation, it was revealed that some Muslim councillors brought up and discussed this proposal during an Islamic subgroup meeting. However, it did not receive unanimous support,” Wong explained.
He emphasised that city council policies must align with the inclusive spirit of the Madani government, and he intends to discuss the matter further with the mayor.
He was responding to Ipoh mayor Rumaizi Baharin’s claims regarding the proposal, adding that the city council had not approved it.
“Upon further investigation, it was revealed that some Muslim councillors brought up and discussed this proposal during an Islamic subgroup meeting. However, it did not receive unanimous support,” Wong explained.
He emphasised that city council policies must align with the inclusive spirit of the Madani government, and he intends to discuss the matter further with the mayor.
Alcoholic drinks on sale in a store
The Perak DAP Youth chief highlighted that decisions regarding alcohol sales should be left to businesses rather than regulated by local authorities, as such measures could hinder commerce.
“The local government should not act as a moral police to restrict citizens’ business activities.
“For example, we do not ban vehicles from the roads to prevent accidents. Similarly, if Muslims violate Islamic teachings, it is the religious authorities who should act, not the local government,” he added.
Wong further stated that DAP councillors would firmly oppose any such proposal if it were brought to the council’s agenda.
“The Madani government will not compete with Perikatan Nasional in conservatism, nor will it allow councillors to push personal agendas under the guise of governance,” he asserted.
‘Agreed in principle’
Rumaizi recently remarked that the city council is considering expanding restrictions on alcohol sales to other predominantly Muslim areas, following suggestions from several quarters.
Currently, such a policy is enforced only in Manjoi.
“In principle, we agree to this, but let’s study the matter first,” he said, as reported by Berita Harian.
However, Perak executive councillor for housing and local government Sandrea Ng clarified that the proposal had not been discussed at the state executive council level.
“The mayor’s remarks were made in response to public concerns and suggestions, but no new policy or decision has been introduced regarding this issue,” Ng told Malaysiakini.
“The local government should not act as a moral police to restrict citizens’ business activities.
“For example, we do not ban vehicles from the roads to prevent accidents. Similarly, if Muslims violate Islamic teachings, it is the religious authorities who should act, not the local government,” he added.
Wong further stated that DAP councillors would firmly oppose any such proposal if it were brought to the council’s agenda.
“The Madani government will not compete with Perikatan Nasional in conservatism, nor will it allow councillors to push personal agendas under the guise of governance,” he asserted.
‘Agreed in principle’
Rumaizi recently remarked that the city council is considering expanding restrictions on alcohol sales to other predominantly Muslim areas, following suggestions from several quarters.
Currently, such a policy is enforced only in Manjoi.
“In principle, we agree to this, but let’s study the matter first,” he said, as reported by Berita Harian.
However, Perak executive councillor for housing and local government Sandrea Ng clarified that the proposal had not been discussed at the state executive council level.
“The mayor’s remarks were made in response to public concerns and suggestions, but no new policy or decision has been introduced regarding this issue,” Ng told Malaysiakini.
Outside of Kelantan, Terengganu, the alcohol ban.started in Shah Alam...I expect it to spread throughout Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteSince there are 100% residential areas in Malaysia where there are ranging from at least Some to majority Muslim residents who may be offended by sale of alcohol in their neighbourhood ...so this logic can easily be extended nationwide..
ReplyDelete