Several business groups have voiced objections to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) 2021 liquor licensing guidelines, which would forbid grocery shops, convenience stores and traditional Chinese medicine shops from selling hard liquor from October next year.
Malaysiakini spoke to Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Wine and Spirit Chinese Dealers Association secretary Albert Chooi Leong Peow who said the move will not only hurt businesses already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also affect the government's revenue via tax income.
"If they don't release the licences, how do we make a living? And that also means the government will not get taxes," Chooi was quoted saying, adding that the ban could also contribute to an increase in smuggled spirits.
"Alcohol is sold in almost every capital city in the world. Why are we going backwards?" he reportedly asked, dubbing the move regressive.
According to Chooi, liquor merchants associations will meet soon to discuss the guidelines, before their grievances are brought to DBKL.
The portal also spoke to Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Association president Hong Chee Meng who voiced similar concerns, and raised the possibility of the move being applied nationwide in the future.
DAP has also previously slammed DBKL's announcement, with its national chairman and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai claiming that the new ruling violated the constitutional rights of non-Muslims.
According to the new guidelines released by DBKL, grocery shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicine shops in Kuala Lumpur will no longer be allowed to sell haerd liquor from Oct 1, 2021.
Stores that have existing licences can only renew them until Sept 30, 2021.
Besides this, stores that are facing police stations, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, will also be prohibited from selling hard liquor.
Source: Malaysiakini, klfoodie.com
Photo source: Malay Mail
Wed Nov 18 2020


Meet The First Indian Horseback Archer
Rubentheran Sivagurunathan is the country's first Indian horseback archer, and he wants more Indians to be involved in the sport. Here's his story...

Boy, 5, Secures Spot in Record Book for Naming 80 Dinosaurs in One Minute!
Most adults may not be able to tell apart one dinosaur from another, but five-year-old Siddhar Kanagarajah has secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records by naming 80 dinosaurs in just one minute!
.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Aspiring Scientists, Build and Launch your Own CanSats!
Measat Global Bhd, in partnership with APADILANGIT, is organising the CanSat Competition 2022, in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the Measat-3d satellite on June 23, 2022. Here's how you can join.

Food Going To Waste? Call the Food Rangers!
What do you do when you don't want excess food from your function to go to waste? Call the Food Rangers of course!

A Young Scientist's Journey From Nagalilit Estate To London
Dr Rajesh Ramasamy has come a long way from his days of growing up in an estate in Kedah. This is the scientist's inspiring journey...

Pubs and Nightclubs Reopening: These are the Rules to Follow
Eager to go clubbing when pubs and nightclubs reopen this weekend? Make sure you get your COVID-19 self-test done first before you head out to your favorite joint. Check out more guidelines lined up by the government here...

US-Based Malaysian Track Star Receives Billionaire's Financial Backing
Billionaire Vincent Tan has come forward with financial backing for the academic and sporting pursuits of US-based Malaysian athlete Shereen Vallabouy, said a report.

This Blind Chef Can Cook Up a Storm In the Kitchen
R Rukenthiran lost his eyesight to glaucoma seven years ago. However, instead of wallowing on self-pity, the gutsy 34-year-old is now the head chef of his own home-cooked business.

Study: A Week Off Social Media Improves One's Mental Wellbeing
Taking a break from social media for a week can improve one's mental health, a recent research has shown.
.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Microsleep: Seven Ways to Avoid this Deadly Episode
Most of us would have experienced microsleep at one point or the other. Here are seven ways you can avoid experiencing this dangerous episode while driving.

Join "Baba's & U Enggal Insta Chef" Contest & Stand A Chance To Win Up To RM10,000 Grand Prize!
Participate in the "Baba's & U Enggal Insta Chef" monthly contest by uploading your cooking video on social media and be in the running to win RM1,000 monthly cash prize and RM10,000 grand prize!

Meet The First Indian Horseback Archer
Rubentheran Sivagurunathan is the country's first Indian horseback archer, and he wants more Indians to be involved in the sport. Here's his story...

Astra | Episode 12 Preview

Is your Child 'Sadfishing?' Here's How to Handle it
Youths nowadays are emulating celebrities and influencers in 'sadfishing' on social media. Here's how to handle this disturbing trend.

These Six Things May Sabotage your Weight Loss Mission
Those wanting to shed the extra kilos, make sure you don't do these six things that may sabotage your mission.

Boy, 5, Secures Spot in Record Book for Naming 80 Dinosaurs in One Minute!
Most adults may not be able to tell apart one dinosaur from another, but five-year-old Siddhar Kanagarajah has secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records by naming 80 dinosaurs in just one minute!
.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Aspiring Scientists, Build and Launch your Own CanSats!
Measat Global Bhd, in partnership with APADILANGIT, is organising the CanSat Competition 2022, in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the Measat-3d satellite on June 23, 2022. Here's how you can join.

6 Fashion Looks Inspired by Samantha's Khatija!
Check out six of our favourite fashion outfits of Samantha's 'Khatija' and suggestions from a fashion influencer on how to integrate them into your everyday style!

Why Did T. Rajendar Get Emotional When Kamal Haasan Joined Politics?
Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan recalls an incident in which actor T. Rajendar embraced and cried to him when he entered politics. This is the reason why...
