JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has no plans to change the conditions for licences to sell alcohol.
Mayor Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the status quo would remain for now, with a review from time to time.
“The issuance of licences for the sale of alcohol is under the (relevant) district office.
“MBJB’s role is more on providing comments (to the district office) on whether or not the location is suitable for the sale of alcohol.
ALSO READ: Ipoh Council mulls having more Muslim-majority areas to ban alcohol sale, says Mayor
"This includes whether it is outside a 200m radius from housing areas, education institutions and houses of worship,” he told reporters when asked to comment on Monday (Jan 27).
He added that MBJB would also check whether the location has any complaints for public nuisance and the like before proceeding to comment.
“If the applicants fulfil the criteria, MBJB will not stop the applications,” he said.
On Jan 18, it was reported that the Ipoh City Council was mulling having more Muslim-majority areas in a bid to curb the sale of alcohol.
Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said the suggestion from the public was being studied.
On Sunday (Jan 26), Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said status quo on the sale of alcohol would be maintained.
ALSO READ: No change to alcohol sales policy, says Nga
Nga said 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.
“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,” the minister said.
