CONVENIENCE stores and Chinese medical halls in Kuala Lumpur will be allowed to sell hard liquor subject to certain conditions, says Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim.

       His announcement came after Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) imposed a ban on the sale of hard liquor at sundry shops, convenience stores and Chinese medical halls in the city effective Nov 1.

       “For convenience stores, there cannot be a blanket approval for permits, but it will be on a case-to-case basis.

       “For example, there is a convenience store (chain) which has 137 outlets in the city.

       “They may want permits for maybe only 50 to 60 outlets, and this will be considered on a case-to-case basis,” Shahidan said when wrapping up his ministerial replies on Budget 2022 at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

       He added that Chinese medical halls would also be allowed to sell hard liquor for medicinal purposes.

       “They can sell pure or adulterated liquor that is approved by the Health Ministry for traditional medicinal purposes only.

       “So, I hope that this will not be made into an issue any longer,” he added.

       Shahidan said that several engagement sessions were held with the relevant stakeholders such as liquor manufacturers, bottlers and suppliers who were satisfied with the decision to restrict the sale of hard liquor at certain premises.

       He added that several religious bodies and NGOs have also expressed support for the decision.

       “The decision to ban the sale of hard liquor at these premises does not touch on the sensitivity of any race, in particular non-Muslims.

       “It is more towards curbing the rise of social ills in Kuala Lumpur related to the sale of illegal liquor (samsu),” he said, noting that some sundry shops were selling the cheap illegal liquor at below RM19 per bottle.

       “We will hunt them down and take action against them,” he said as he dismissed claims that the ban would affect efforts to develop Kuala Lumpur into a world-class city.

       He noted that even Singapore and some European countries have restrictions and zoning of areas where hard liquor could be sold.

       Earlier, several Opposition MPs such as Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) and Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) chided Shahidan over the decision to restrict the sale of alcohol.

       Tan said Shahidan had promised a “win-win” solution during a recent meeting with federal territories MPs.

       “Where is the win-win? It’s just empty promises,” he said.

       Kok described the ban as double standards as it affected small businesses.

       Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun reminded MPs not to interject during Shahidan’s replies.

       The restriction prohibiting sundry shops, convenience stores and Chinese medical halls in Kuala Lumpur from selling hard liquor was first brought up on Nov 15, 2020.

       Initially set to be enforced on Oct 1 this year, the ban was postponed for a month pending a study on the guidelines.

       The ban does not cover pubs, restaurants, supermarkets or licensed liquor outlets at malls.