IPOH: The Ipoh City Council is mulling having more Muslim-majority areas in a bid to ban the sale of alcohol, says Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
The Ipoh mayor said they have received the suggestion from the public and are studying its suitability in areas with a Malay-majority population.
"In principle, we agree to the suggestion, but we must see which areas are viable.
"A few other areas also want to become like Manjoi, which no longer sells alcohol," he said in a press conference after launching a cafe in Canning here on Saturday (Jan 18).
“I understand the Muslim majority folk in Ulu Chepor want to do the same.
"Other areas that have a Malay majority population are Tambun, Rapat Setia and Sungai Rokam," he added.
On another unrelated matter, Rumaizi said the Ipoh City Council has aimed to achieve at least 50% of its eatery premises with Grade A certification this year.
He said only about 30% or 982 out of 3,200 premises here managed to obtain the certificate last year.
"Having a Grade A certificate will spur the gastronomy or culinary economy.
"Having a clean premise and toilets, apart from having great food and interior are among the criteria when it comes to grading,” he said
Rumaizi also said that throughout 2024, the city council has checked the toilets of 1,689 eateries, with 1,670 premises issued with Four or Five Stars.
He said 19 eatery premises have had their business licence suspended for only getting Three Stars.
"Their business licences have not been renewed this year until they can ensure the conditions of their toilets have improved," he said, adding that they were also issued with a RM250 compound.
Rumaizi also called on food operators to not only prepare delicious food but to ensure they are safe and healthy.
“We urge eateries to look into the health aspect of the food served. Perhaps by lessening the usage of sugar or ingredients that are not healthy while ensuring the food served is tasty.
"This can make Ipoh special and separates us from other culinary-based tourism locations," he said.
