'Beer sale ban infringes rights'

SHAH ALAM (May 21, 2009) : A dialogue today on a move by some local authorities in Selangor to stop retail outlets from selling beer and other alcoholic drinks reignited old arguments -- that such an order infringed the rights of non-Muslims and that other measures should be used to stop Muslims and minors from buying and consuming such products.

Several quarters, including assemblymen and local councillors, spoke up strongly against sale restrictions during the dialogue between state officials, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders like wholesalers, hypermarkets and retail outlets.

It was held to address problems arising from instructions from local authorities to retail outlets selling these products and protest from groups calling for a ban on the sale of alcohol in some areas.

State executive councilors Teresa Kok, Dr Hasan Ali and Ronnie Liu, who were at the dialogue chaired by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, did not offer views but merely listened to the arguments. The issues will next be deliberated at the next executive council meeting on Wednesday.

What triggered the matter was a letter from the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to retail outlets on May 13 stating that the sale of all alcoholic drinks including beer will not be allowed in Sections 1 to 25 in Shah Alam as the majority of those living in those areas are Muslims.

The ban of sale of beer in such stores also covered outlets in Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh (Section U20) and TTDI Jaya (Section U2).

It should be noted that beer is a social drink that does not require specific licensing for sale, unlike hard liquor.

Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San said this issue should not arise in one of the most developed states in Malaysia which has a 46% non-Muslim population.

"It is worrying that overzealous local authority officers are taking it upon themselves to decide against the renewal of licences to sell alcoholic drinks at retail outlets, stores and even Chinese Medical Halls which sell herbal drinks with alcohol that have beneficial health properties," he said.

He said a ban will not solve the problem, and that what is important is the inculcation of strong religious values.

"If not, what is next...the ban of the internet because there is phornography? The ban of phones because they emit electromagnetic signals?" asked Lau.

Ng Suee Lim

Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim said: "Those who drink, like me, know that going overboard can have disastrous consequences. What is important is the strength of your spirituality because if you are strong in spirit, you will not be easily enticed (to drink in excess)."

In a state that is made up of many races, the issue of a ban should not come up. Even Muslim majority countries like Indonesia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates do not have these kind of rigid restrictions, he said.

Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Michael Soon said the issue that should be addressed is the abuse and misuse of alcohol, not the sale of it, especially to youths and non-Muslims.

He also pointed out that even countries and airlines from middle eastern Muslim countries do not impose such bans.

"If you are going to argue about Muslim staff serving alcohol, then there should not be any Muslim stewardess employed on Malaysia Airlines as it serves alcohol, or at 7-Eleven outlets," Soon said, adding that the questions then arises over the employment of Muslims at hotels and other outlets which serve alcohol.

A representative of Persatuan Pengguna Islam said the sale of alcohol should be banned in areas where there is a majority Muslim population, adding that handling of alcoholic drinks is also an offence for Muslims.

Other residents association representatives and non-governmental organisation representatives expressed worry over the consequences and effects of excessive alcohol consumption, like drink driving.

Earlier, 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd executive director Ng Su Onn said the ban on sale of alcohol in several areas under its jurisdiction involved 37 of their stores.

"We are disappointed with this decision and even though we are having a dialogue to address this problem, it seems like the decision has already been made based on the letter we received on May 13," he said.

"As good corporate citizens, the company has abided by all laws and policies including the posting of very clear notices at all outlets barring the sale of alcohol to minors and Muslims."

In addition, it is our policy that staff who sell beer to minors and Muslims will be fired, he said, adding that there have been such dismissals.

"Currently Muslim staff at the counter handle alcoholic drinks using gloves," he said.

When met after the dialogue, Ng said the company will continue with the sale of beer at its outlets until the state government states its stand.

Some readers also called up theSun to lambast the move, on the grounds that it impinges on the freedom of choice of the non-Muslim rakyat.

One said: "We did not expect the Pakatan Rakyat state government to handle this matter in such a way. During the general election, it had promised equality for all, and that it would take care of all races. This matter had been debated before; there was no need to bring it up again."