Bersatu Youth up in arms over beer factory operating during MCO

CORONAVIRUS | Bersatu Youth has demanded Putrajaya explain why it allowed a beer factory to operate during the movement control order (MCO).

Bersatu Youth information chief Ulya Aqamah Husamudin (above) and the wing's religious affairs exco Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin, in a joint statement, zoomed in on Heineken Malaysia after its approval letter from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry went viral on social media.

"According to the National Security Council's guidelines, only 10 essential services and critical sectors are allowed to operate during the MCO.

"Does the government consider beer and alcoholic drinks, which are clearly haram (forbidden), essential or critical?" they asked.

They then contrasted this with businesses run by the bumiputera community.

"Thousands of halal businesses owned by the bumiputera have been impacted by Covid-19 and the MCO, particularly for small and medium enterprises.

"Why was an exemption given to Heineken's beer factory when it is clearly a haram business? Is it because the company has links to people with interest?

"Bersatu Youth demands an explanation on the matter. It is not nice when a Malay Muslim government gives an advantage to a company that sells products that is haram in the eyes of Islam," they said.

This is after the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, in a letter to Heineken dated March 31, agreed that the alcoholic beverages producer was a food supply operator and therefore can operate during the partial lockdown.

"In reference to your application dated March 24, after scrutinising and checking the documents presented, the ministry finds your application fulfils the required criteria as an operator in the food supply sector under the MCO.

"Therefore, the ministry affirms and agrees that your business activities can open/operate to ensure sufficient food supply throughout the MCO enforcement," read the letter. - Mkini