The Malaysian Insight

TRADE associations are angry over a decision to bar sundry shops, convenience stores and pharmacies in Kuala Lumpur from selling hard liquor. 

They said businesses are already facing difficult times and the move by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) only makes it tougher to survive. 

They said the move is unnecessary and hoped the government would rescind it.

Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants’ Association president Hong Chee Meng told The Malaysian Insight the policy will hit businesses. 

“When people can’t buy alcohol from sundry shops and convenience stores, those who want to drink will still find a way to do so, such as going to a bar, which could lead to instances of drink-driving.

“If they buy from a store and drink at home, that would be safer,” Hong said. 

He warned the move could see a spike in the sale of contraband liquor. 

“I am worried if people cannot buy from shops, they will buy from the black market instead, worsening the issue of contraband liquor.”

He also said local authorities should consult with stakeholders and businesses when making policies, instead of doing so unilaterally. 

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, people and businesses have been in dire straits and everyone is fighting to survive. These things (liquor sales) are not new and have been part of Malaysia’s multicultural identity for decades.

“Furthermore, the government has already come down hard on drink-driving incidents. I think that should be enough.”

However, Hong said sundry shops and convenience stores do not make up a large portion of liquor sales, due to the high costs and expensive licensing fees involved. 

“Liquor licences are even more expensive than regular alcohol licences – costing more than RM1,000 – so not many businesses apply for it.

“The issue is not in how much you sell but rather the reason for such a policy. Liquor sales contribute to the government’s taxes and I feel this ban is unnecessary. I hope the government will rescind it,” he said.

The association wants to meet with City Hall and will push for the policy to be revoked.

The Federation of Malaya and Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Wine and Spirit Dealers’ Association secretary Albert Chooi is similarly dissatisfied, asking if businesses had broken laws to warrant such a measure. 

“Liquor taxes contribute to the country’s coffers substantially every year and liquor licences have to go through five different agencies, so why is City Hall unilaterally issuing the order?” he asked. 

The agencies are the Customs Department, Health Ministry, police, the Fire and Rescue Department and local authorities.

He said there are about 200 shops selling liquor in the capital and DBKL should not have, on a whim, refused to renew such licences, which negatively affects businesses. 

“To cut off an income source during this time will lead to many businesses closing shop.

“Furthermore, every capital in the world allows liquor sales. Why is Malaysia adopting such a backward policy even as we aim to be a developed nation?” 

Chooi said the association will have a discussion among its members and then seek their MPs’ help to fight for their rights. 

City Hall recently said it will no longer renew liquor licences for sundry shops, convenience stores and pharmacies starting October 1 next year.

The businesses are only allowed to sell beer and traditional medicinal liquor from then onwards.

They will also be restricted to selling alcohol from 7am to 9pm and are required to set up a separate area for alcohol sales, so that this section can be locked up once the time has passed. 

Starting December 15 this year, the production, sale and consumption of samsu, a cheap intoxicating liquor, will also be illegal in Kuala Lumpur. – November 20, 2020.