No total ban: Deputy minister clarifies that retailers can sell alcohol (UPDATED)

• UPDATED 10.58PM | Included a clarification by deputy minister Rosol Wahid on alcohol sale restrictions.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Rosol Wahid has come forth to correct his earlier statement about a blanket ban on alcohol sales during the total lockdown period.

In a statement tonight, he clarified that the restriction was limited to liquor manufacturers and liquor stores.

Convenience stores, mini markets and supermarkets are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages provided they have a valid licence.

“Business premises or companies and services that are categorised as essential such as food and beverage are allowed to operate under the essential services list. These premises include supermarkets, mini markets and convenience stores.

“Some of these premises also have a licence and special section to sell alcoholic beverages. Therefore there is no prohibition on premises that are considered essential and have an approved licence to sell alcoholic beverages to operate.

“(They can) sell goods that are in their premises including alcoholic beverages, on condition they follow the set rules,” he said. 

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Rosol Wahid

Earlier today, Rosol sparked confusion and controversy when he announced a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol due to it being a non-essential item.

However, he defended the ministry’s move to allow the sale of cigarettes, which are also non-essential, to avoid problems arising from "addicts".

DBKL also clarifies

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) also said it will only compel liquor shops to close during the 14-day total lockdown period, while other retailers are free to sell liquor or alcoholic beverages.

In a statement today, DBKL clarified that the sale of alcohol is still allowed for convenience stores and supermarkets.

Confusion galore

There has been confusion in recent days over the issue of liquor sales.

Yesterday, police had shut down a liquor store in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

There were also reports that hypermarkets in Kuala Lumpur were allegedly told to stop selling alcohol.

Earlier today, MCA secretary-general Choong Sin Woon criticised the authorities for doing so, describing it as an over-extension of the NSC orders.

Choong said alcoholic drinks should be treated the same way as soft drinks.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that alcohol factories were not allowed to operate during the total lockdown.

He did not say that the restriction extended to liquor stores or other shops.  - Mkini