The Brickfields police in Kuala Lumpur have shut down a liquor store - which it said was non-essential.
There have also been reports that the police allegedly ordered hypermarkets to close down their alcohol sections. However, this was disputed by Kuala Lumpur police chief Azmi Abu Kassim.
In a statement this morning, Brickfields police chief Anuar Omar said officers inspected a liquor store yesterday following a complaint about the business receiving approval to operate as a food and beverage grocer.
The store is believed to be located in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
"The inspection on the premises found that it only sold liquor, which is not deemed as essential goods.
"Police have given (the owners) advice, and ordered the premises closed... which they complied with," Anuar said.
He added that businesses should not abuse permission letters issued by the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
Meanwhile, two supermarkets in the Brickfields police district were also reportedly told to stop selling alcohol.
Malaysiakini has contacted Anuar for clarification on the matter.
Speaking to FMT last night, the Brickfields police chief cited the National Security Council (NSC)'s standard operating procedures (SOPs) and said "all shops selling alcohol are to close immediately, like the Carlsberg factory”.
“Alcohol is not considered an essential drink. There is no need to sensationalise this as this is a government order to help stem the spread of Covid-19," he added.
The NSC on Tuesday ordered alcoholic beverage factories to shut down for being non-essential, but there was no mention on whether this also applied to liquor stores or the liquor section of grocers.
When contacted, Azmi denied hypermarkets and grocers had to stop selling alcohol.
"No (order for them to stop selling alcohol). For example 7-11 (is allowed to operate)," he told Malaysiakini.
Likewise, The Vibes quoted Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as saying that alcohol sale was allowed, while Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani was unaware of any orders to stop grocers from selling alcohol.
This is not the first time there has been confusion regarding the sale of alcohol.
Previously in February, police ordered restaurants to stop selling alcohol, contrary to instructions from Ismail Sabri. - Mkini
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