Supermarket closes non-halal section after protest by Jeram rep

 

A protest by a local assemblyperson against the sale of alcohol at a supermarket chain's newly opened outlet in Puncak Alam has led to the immediate closure of its non-halal section.

Taking to Facebook, Jeram assemblyperson Mohd Shaid Rosli said he had sent a memorandum to the management of the Jaya Grocer outlet in Eco Grandeur, Puncak Alam, to protest the sale of alcohol in the store.

As a result, he shared several photographs showing the outlet, which just opened for business on Wednesday, boarded up the entrance to its non-halal section and agreed to stop all sales of the related products.

Mohd Shaid also shared a copy of his memorandum that stated several factors for the protest, including "respecting the sensitivities of the 90 percent Muslim population in Puncak Alam".

Mohd Shaid claimed he was acting on complaints, which include an increase in alcohol-related social crimes and strained family ties, from at least three residents associations.

"Based on cooperation that they (Jaya Grocer's management) have given us, we can continue to support (their business) by shopping there," said the former Bersatu representative and now aligned to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Pejuang party.

"This is Puncak Alam. This is Malay territory," he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Jaya Grocer's move to close its non-halal section was met with backlash from customers who questioned whether the management is discriminating against non-Muslim patrons.

"Dear all, thank you for raising this issue. Rest assured that your concerns have been heard.

"Please stay tuned and we will keep you updated about any upcoming changes via social media," said Jaya Grocer in a Facebook post today.

Meanwhile, Mohd Shaid, in another Facebook post, said no alcohol sale will be allowed in Puncak Alam, as he shared another protest note sent to an Econsave supermarket outlet.

However, he said there will be no sale restrictions in three other areas under his constituency - Bandar Sri Coalfield, Sg Sembilang and Sg Buloh Sasaran. - Mkini