KL police chief: Premises selling alcohol among essential items can operate

KUALA LUMPUR: Premises that sell alcoholic beverages as part of their business along with food and other drinks are still allowed to operate, says Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim (pic).

He said that such premises will be allowed to operate as long as it is approved by the relevant departments or ministries.

He said the business premises in Taman Sri Hartamas that was ordered to close had violated the approval by the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to sell food and beverages during the movement control order.

"Brickfields police received a complaint that the premises was solely selling alcoholic beverages in Plaza Damas, but it obtained Miti approval to sell food and beverages and was thus violating the approval given by Miti," said Comm Azmi when contacted on Friday (June 4).

Prior to this, Brickfields OCPD Asst Comm Anuar Omar said that police inspected a business premises selling alcoholic beverages in the district and instructed it to be closed for violating the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

He said police received information that went viral on social media that a premises was selling alcoholic beverages and it obtained approval from Miti to sell food and beverages.

"Inspections revealed that the premises only sold alcoholic beverages, which is not an essential item. We advised the management of the business and instructed the premises to be closed.

"The management of the business complied and proceeded to close the premises," he said when contacted on Friday

ACP Anuar reminded all traders not to misuse the approval letter by Miti.

"We view violations of Covid-19 SOP seriously. We urge those with information on SOP violations to contact Brickfields police at 03-22979222 or any nearest police station.