A stroke of culture: Nga with his ‘masterpiece’ after trying his hand at calligraphy during a visit to upgraded Canning Garden market in Ipoh. — Bernama
IPOH: There will be no changes to the policy on the sale of alcohol, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
“Right now, it’s status quo. Full stop, there are no issues,” he told reporters when asked if local governments have the authority to ban the sale of alcohol after visiting the upgraded Canning Garden market here yesterday.
On Jan 18, it was reported that the Ipoh City Council is considering stopping the sale of alcohol in more Muslim-majority areas.
Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said Ipoh City Council received the suggestion from the public and was studying its suitability in areas with a Malay-majority population.
Nga said people should not be distracted by trivial issues that do not benefit anyone or the nation.
“When we get bogged down in various polemical issues, it doesn’t help anyone. In the end, there are no winners.
“We have to be fair to all, so don’t make it into an issue. Maintaining harmony is crucial.
“When convenience stores sell alcohol, and if 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.”
On wet markets, Nga said the Ipoh Central Market would be upgraded to become a landmark.
He said the ministry had approved a RM15mil allocation for the purpose, and he hoped the project would start soon.
He said the responsibility to restore nostalgia and past glory of the market, which was once the main shopping destination for Ipoh residents, has been entrusted to the Ipoh mayor.
“In the past, the well known Kinta Shopping Centre was located there, and this market has pull, especially with its strategic location in the city centre.
“With the capabilities of our mayor, we hope Ipoh Central Market can become another landmark, similar to the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur,” he said after visiting the Pasir Pinji market, a facility that is being improved through the construction of the new building that earned it gold status under the Green Building Index.
Nga also urged all 156 local authorities nationwide to submit applications for upgrading of wet markets, especially those aged 50 and above.
“In addition to boosting the local economy, markets can also contribute to our tourism industry, which has now become the country’s second-largest source of income.
“The ministry will collaborate with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to promote several markets nationwide.
“We will list markets that are suitable for tourists to visit, as there are many markets that are over 50 years old with interesting features,” he added.
