KPKT instructs all local authorities to identify premises selling alcohol, increase enforcement

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has issued a letter instructing all local authorities to identify special premises for the sale of alcohol as well as increasing enforcement on the activity.

Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib said this is because the ministry sees the need to review the sale of alcohol in grocery stores due to the negative impact it brings to the community.

"For everyone’s information, the ministry through local authorities only issue business premise licenses under by-laws and only after the application meets the conditions set by the state government, district offices, police and customs.

"The license to sell alcohol is under the customs. This is not a question of religion because Islam forbids its followers to drink alcohol and I think other religions also agree because of the negative effects of alcohol for drinkers and the people around them," he said at the Dewan Rakyat here on Thursday.

He said this while answering a question from Datuk Azis Jamman (Warisan-Sepanggar) on the government's action to review the sale of alcohol in grocery stores.

Meanwhile, answering an additional question from Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (Pas-Setiu) on whether the government intends to create a special team to ensure the enforcement of the law, similar with the drugs issue, Ismail said he was confident that the government will set it up due to the effects of drunkenness either on drivers and various incidents involving the public.

According to him, from 2015 to 2020, cases involving drunk individuals has registered 161 cases in 2016; 139 cases (2019) and in 2020, from January to June, a total of 155 cases.

"Meanwhile, during this period, a total of 71 accidents involved drunk drivers.

"I am confident that the government views this seriously and will be agreeable to set up a special team to ensure that the issue of alcohol consumption and the impact it has on surrounding people are given serious attention," he said.