Pahang NGO Wants To End Alcohol Sale In A Housing Area To Prevent "Social Problems"

The NGO, known as Biro Kebajikan Masjid Taman Temerloh Jaya (Taman Temerloh Jaya Mosque Welfare Bureau), addressed the letter to all businesses operating in the housing area.

The Bureau alleged in its letter that residents of the housing area are protesting against the sale of alcohol as well.

"We look forward to cooperation from your (business owners) end to take necessary action for the benefit of local residents," the Bureau wrote in its letter.

On 4 September, a member of the Bureau was seen handing the objection letter to an employee at the convenience store.

According to China Press, most of the alcoholic beverages at the store have been removed following the incident. However, six-pack beers can still be purchased at the outlet.

Sin Chew Daily reported Democratic Action Party (DAP) Mentakab division secretary Lui Chun Kai as saying today that convenience stores hold permits from local governments to sell alcoholic beverages, and non-Muslim residents in Taman Temerloh Jaya have the right to consume alcohol.

"This convenience store already holds permit from the Temerloh local government to sell alcoholic beverages, why would the organisation (the Bureau) object this?" he was quoted as saying by Sin Chew Daily. 

Meanwhile, chairman of the Temerloh Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Datuk Chris Lai told China Press that the Bureau should not have asked the convenience store to remove its alcoholic beverages.

"The Bureau could have requested (the convenience store) to separate their halal and non-halal products instead of asking the store to take them (alcoholic beverages) down," Chris was quoted as saying by China Press.

"Malaysia is a multiracial country so we should respect each other," he added.