IPOH: The status quo on the sale of alcohol will be maintained, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
“Right now, it's status quo. Full stop, there are no issues,” he said.
Nga added that everything is running beautifully and smoothly, and said that the country is on the right track, so everyone must focus on making Malaysia a great country respected on the world stage.
“My advice is always not to lose focus on trivial issues that don’t benefit anyone or the nation. When we get bogged down in various polemical issues, it doesn’t help anyone, and in the end, there are no winners,” he said.
“So we have to be fair to all, so don’t make it into an issue,” added Nga.
He said this when asked after visiting the Canning Garden market on Sunday (Jan 26) if the local government had the authority to implement a ban on the sale of alcohol.
On Jan 18, it was reported that the Ipoh City Council is considering having more Muslim-majority areas to potentially ban the sale of alcohol.
Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said they have received the suggestion from the public and are studying its suitability in areas with a Malay-majority population.
Nga then said that Malaysia is a multi-racial country where maintaining harmony is crucial.
“When convenience stores sell alcohol, and you are not allowed to drink, don’t buy, it is that simple, but we cannot stop others who can as it is their right,” he said.
