SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan has decided to ban the consumption of alcoholic beverages along public beaches in Port Dickson, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The Mentri Besar said his administration has also decided to prohibit the consumption of alcoholic drinks in public fields, children's playgrounds and recreational parks.
"The state executive council, at its meeting today, decided to ban such activities in these four public areas because of the high number of complaints from the people," he told reporters after chairing the meeting at Wisma Negri here on Wednesday (July 2).
"Those who flout the regulations will be liable to a compound of up to RM2,000," he said, adding that all local councils have been told to enforce the ruling within their respective jurisdictions.
Aminuddin said the ban was necessary as those who consumed alcoholic beverages often caused a nuisance, which caused others to stay away from these areas.
He said some irresponsible individuals would also break the bottles and leave a mess.
The authorities have also received reports of injuries caused by broken glass, he added.
"There have also been reports of fights among those who consume alcohol in these places, and we want to put an end to this.
"All Malaysians should be allowed free access to these places anytime without having to worry about their safety or wellbeing," he said, adding that some individuals feared going near these areas when they saw groups of people consuming alcohol.
Aminuddin said that at present, the state's by-laws did not specify that drinking alcohol in public places was an offence.
He said policemen or local council officers who respond to public complaints are only able to advise those who do so to leave the area.
"This has caused certain public areas to be popular meeting points for those who consume alcoholic beverages," he added.
