BUKIT GANTANG: Local authorities have the power to ban the sale of alcoholic drinks to Muslims in their respective areas, religious affairs minister Idris Ahmad said today.
He said hopefully, this would lead to a wider restriction on the sale of alcohol openly to Muslims.
The ban, he added, can be enforced at the discretion of local authorities and council members, as they have the power to impose the rule among Muslims in their respective areas.
“Previously, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) also imposed regulations to tighten the sale of liquor, especially to Muslims.
“It is up to the local authority and council members, and we hope this will kickstart a ban on the sale of alcohol openly to Muslims,” the PAS vice-president said at a press conference after presenting flood assistance at the Sungai Kerang public hall near here today.
A total of 127 people received the aid, involving 79 recipients in Terong and 48 recipients in Sungai Kerang, who were affected by the recent floods in Perak.
Idris was commenting on a statement issued by Selama assemblyman Mohd Akmal Kamarudin, and the Selama district council in Perak, which has decided not to allow the sale of liquor at all retail outlets from next year.
Akmal reportedly said the matter had been decided by the district council as the local administrative body.
Idris said states such as Kelantan and Terengganu had long enforced a ban on the sale of alcohol to Muslims.
When asked on the name change of local whisky brand Timah, he said jurisdiction rested with the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry to monitor the situation.
“The ministry will decide on the matter, which is under its purview,” he said. - FMT
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