SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov 2008: Selangor will not take the drastic action of totally banning the sale of alcoholic drinks as its residents are multiracial and multi-religious, said Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
However, he said, the state government had decided to intensify enforcement to ensure that alcoholic drinks were not sold to Muslims and youths below the age of 18.
Abdul Khalid said the state government was viewing the issue of liquor consumption from the social and not religious aspects.
“We had discussed the matter at the state executive council (exco) meeting recently. We are sensitive to the fear among some quarters over the negative effects of liquor consumption,” he told a news conference after chairing a state exco meeting, here, today.
He said the intensified enforcement was aimed at ensuring that the people, especially youths, refrain from indulging in the social ill.
Abdul Khalid said the state government would also hold discussions with traders, the local governments, other government agencies and non-governmental organisations next year to identify the best methods to enhance enforcement on liquor consumption.
The issue was first raised by several local government councillors from PAS who voiced their concern that alcoholic drinks were easily available for youths, from shops. — Bernama
