MPK puts a halt to two illicit alcohol outlets thanks to public tip-offs

THE closure of licensed liquor outlets and pubs in Klang, in compliance with the movement control order (MCO) to stem the Covid-19 pandemic, has encouraged illegal sales of liquor and alcoholic drinks.

Klang Municipal Council (MPK) secretary Elya Marini Darmin said the closure of licensed liquor outlets has created an opportune time for the illegal sales of liquor and alcoholic beverages.

“MPK is getting a number of tip-offs over outlets selling illicit liquor and alcoholic beverages within residential neighbourhoods. Unscrupulous individuals are going all out to make a quick buck as these traders entice people with lower prices on the drinks, ” she said.

She added that public tip-offs helped MPK’s Enforcement Department a lot, but to cripple such illegal businesses, at least a week of surveillance is needed and any raids must be coordinated to be effective.

“Most of the time, the illicit liquor is sold at the back of the shop while the traders maintain a front that gives an impression, the outlet is a provision shop. Minimal groceries are kept to hoodwink the authorities, ” she said.

This week, Elya said joint raids were carried out by the South Klang police headquarters, MPK’s Enforcement Department, Licensing and Petty Traders Department and Health and Environment Department.

“Based on complaints and thorough surveillance, the team raided two unlicensed outlets in Taman Sentosa and Jalan Sungai Jati had used the shoplots as a store to stockpile illicit alcohol.

"It is believed that both shops hoarded the alcoholic drinks and sold it to regular customers, ” she said.

Elya added that the council’s Enforcement Department seized the liquor and alcoholic beverages of an assortment of brands worth an estimated RM150,000.

Meanwhile, seven unlicensed provision shops in Klang were sealed.

Elya said five of the unlicensed shops were located in Rantau Panjang at Jalan Musran, Jalan Genting, Jalan Othman Baru and Jalan Sg Saim while the other two were at Jalan Sri Sarawak 13 to 15, in the Taman Sri Andalas commercial area.