Questioning the need for harsh enforcement of a state law that prohibits such a practice, Terengganu MCA state liaison committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw said the party has approached the relevant authorities.
In a report by China Press yesterday, a 57-year-old restaurateur was quoted as saying that authorities would not listen to any of his pleas and instead issued a compound as well as confiscated alcoholic beverages amounting to RM3,000.
Toh hopes the discussions the party is having with the various authorities, including the health department, will result in a more tactful response to such violations.
“According to the health department, the reason for the law is to ensure a better society including preventing those below 18 from consuming alcohol and we understand this.
“However, the way the law is enforced and the way information regarding the law is passed to the public may contain weaknesses and so we want to try to find a solution that can be acceptable to all,” he said.
He said his party had started approaching the relevant departments at the state level yesterday.
“MCA will also bring up the matter at the federal level with the relevant ministries,” Toh said.
He added that the party has also offered to help the restaurant owner, including providing legal assistance “but that’s only if he wants it”.
According to Kuala Terengganu MCA complaints bureau chief Siew Chee Yong, Section 361 of the Food Act 1983 clearly states that food operators aren’t allowed to place alcoholic beverages in the same refrigerator or rack as other food items.