Kuching, Kota Samarahan local authorities to snub liquor sale ban
“I do not know what is wrong with Kuala Lumpur and the Malayans — they keep on telling us to not drink or eat this or that; do not use this word or that. They are becoming very restrictive and at times, (it is) so irritating.”
(MMO) – The local authorities in Kuching and Kota Samarahan have decided not to ban the sale of liquors at convenience stores, sundry shops and Chinese medical halls in their respective jurisdictions, as what is currently enforced by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
According to Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, it is not the time to enforce such restriction as the state’s economy has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Adding on, he said the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) had discussed this matter with Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, following numerous phone calls received by concerned operators.
“Sarawak is a multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religious state and we respect one another; we respect every race in Sarawak.
“That is why we have come to this decision, with Dr Sim having agreed to this; we have decided not to follow this ruling and that MBKS will continue to renew their permits (for selling liquors),” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.
Commenting about the ban enforced on Chinese medical halls, Wee said the medicines sold there such as the medicinal wines, despite containing alcohol, had always been used solely for medicinal purposes and ‘not for recreational drinking’.
“We (MBKS) do not charge anything on the medicines sold in Chinese medical halls or even issue licence or permit for them to sell these items.
“As long as the medicines and other products are approved by the Ministry of Health (MoH), we allow the operators of Chinese medical halls to sell their items,” he added.
