Sales Of Liquor In Muslim Majority Areas Forbidden

The local councils in Sarawak had never issued licences for liquor sales at retail outlets in areas where 80 percent of the residents are Muslims.

State Environment and Public Health Deputy Minister Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen said the local councils have the authority to act on those who violated the conditions of their licences like selling the liquor in forbidden areas.

"If there were complaints on such activities, then legal action could be taken on the licence holder involved, including confiscating the liquor, issue compound notice and fine but not on those who consume the liquor," he said.

Abdul Karim said drinking cheap liquor and gum sniffing is now rampant in squatter areas and in the interiors.

While the above is bad news for alcoholics, I suppose if we take the bigger picture and view it from a health and socio-economic perspective, it makes a lot of sense. In these issues I've always believed - 'to each his own'. If you want to drink recklessly and ruin your health who can stop you? On the other hand if you want to drink socially and responsibly no one should curtail that right too.