Self-regulate sale of alcohol, stores told

(The Star) SHAH ALAM: Convenience stores in Muslim-majority areas are not banned from selling alcohol to non-Muslims, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said yesterday.

However, he said the stores owners must practise self-regulation and have a separate cooler for alcohol.

The self-regulatory move would start in stores from Section 1 to 24 in Shah Alam before it is extended to other Muslim-majority areas in the state, he told reporters after a meeting with convenience store owners and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Mayor Datuk Mazalan Md Noor yesterday.

“Our aim is not to infringe on the cultural rights and beliefs of the non-Muslims and at the same time we do not need to come up with too many laws to control the drinking habits among the Muslims and teenagers,” he said.

Khalid added that the 100 letters sent by MBSA to convenience stores to stop the sale of alcohol were null and void.

KK Group of Companies business owner Datuk Dr Douglas K.K. Chai said the decision to let convenience stores to self-regulate the sale of alcohol was a good move.

“Alcoholic beverages contribute to our sales.

“But we respect all people and their religious and cultural beliefs,” he said.

MBSA Mayor Mazalan said the city council respects the decision and it would assist the businessmen in the self-regulatory move.