Think of brewery workers, too

 

On June 1, senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob banned the Carlsberg brewery from operating during the lockdown, and said that alcoholic beverages were not considered essential items. It is alleged that he had clashed with international trade and industry minister Azmin Ali over the closure of the brewery.

Earlier, both Amanah Youth leader Kevin Shawn Gomez and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had questioned the government’s decision to allow the brewery to continue operations during the lockdown.

Perhaps they were thinking about the Muslim voters, but didn’t they consider the damage to the economy when businesses are forced to close and the jobs of thousands are put at risk?

If a brewery can operate safely and observe the SOPs and social distancing, why not leave it open? Will those who insist on the closure of such industries during the lockdown provide jobs to workers who are laid off when companies are forced to close their doors forever?

The brewing industry may be making products considered haram by Muslims, but it provides employment, not just in the brewery, but in ancillary industries as well.

Beer companies pay taxes which help to provide essential public services. They also contribute to the treasury in the form of payments for annual permits and operating licences. When a brewery is forced to temporarily shut, there will be marked effects both downstream and upstream. The closure may be a small ripple in the brewing industry, but its effects can be quite significant.

Upstream involves the import of hops and grains, the warehouses, the container ships and the people involved in the importation. Downstream activities encompass a huge variety of industries and workers, including those in production, bottle and aluminium can manufacturing, transportation, catering, and retail outlets and supermarkets.

If other crucial industries can operate safely, why not the brewing industry? That is why it is difficult to understand the ban on Carlsberg’s production.

If alcohol is not considered a “basic necessity”, then why are cigarettes allowed? Shouldn’t we stop the production of sweets, sugary drinks, fast food, food with a high salt content and processed foods?

A government which panders to the whims of bigots in society and in Parliament will not attract foreign direct investment. As it is, many foreign investors have found our neighbours to be more attractive and conducive places to do business.

Opening a multi-million ringgit factory, or brewery, is not a small undertaking. It needs a stable government that is not in the thrall of extremist elements in society. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.