FT PAS Youth froths as DBKL booze ban rolled back

 

Federal Territories PAS Youth has criticised Putrajaya for rolling back Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) liquor ban on sundry shops, convenience stores and traditional Chinese medicine halls.

In a statement, Federal Territories PAS Youth information chief Abdul Razak Ramli said the decision was regrettable and disappointing because it would allegedly lead to more social problems.

"Muslims must rise up against the lackadaisical attitude of the government," he said.

DBKL's excise licensing board had in 2021 revised rules banning the sale of liquor from the above-mentioned premises and limiting the sale of beer from 7am to 9pm.

Pubs, bars, lounges and restaurants will still be allowed to sell hard liquor from 10am to midnight, or up to 2am if they are approved for a special time extension.

Traditional Chinese medicinal halls are exempted if the liquor product is for medicinal purposes.

Open culture

DBKL excise licensing board chairperson Pooi Weng Keong told China Press that the board had revoked the liquor ban when it met on Nov 23.

Pooi said liquor sales should not be overly regulated while respecting the customs of various ethnic groups and Muslims.

He said Kuala Lumpur was a reflection of the country's diversity and should adopt an open culture rather than "extremism".

In his statement, Abdul Razak pointed out that Pooi was a DAP member and was formerly the party's election director before resigning in 2013. - Mkini