DBKL announced yesterday that a ban on the sale of liquor at grocers, convenience stores and Chinese medical halls would take effect immediately. The sale of beer at such premises, meanwhile, is only allowed from 7am to 9pm.

Describing the new guidelines as “unfair, oppressive and burdensome”, the MPs said the rules also restrict the right of traders to do business.

“It also does not respect the culture of non-Muslim communities, who usually consume alcohol in moderation,” they said in a joint statement.

“Therefore, we ask DBKL and the federal territories minister to consider withdrawing this new order and respecting the rights and freedoms of the non-Muslim community.

“We also appeal to the government to be fair to all. Something that is part of the customs and culture of others should not be banned just because some people don’t like it.”

The statement was signed by P Prabakaran (Batu), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang), Tan Kok Wai (Cheras), Lim Lip Eng (Kepong) Hannah Yeoh (Segambut), Teresa Kok (Seputeh) and Dr Tan Yee Kew (Wangsa Maju).

They said that grocers, convenience stores and Chinese medical halls that sold alcoholic beverages were small businesses owned and managed by non-Muslims, with income from the sale of such beverages among the most important sources of revenue for these businesses.

The MPs added that previous guidelines on the sale of liquor were enough to prevent Muslims or teenagers from buying alcoholic beverages.

Those guidelines included the sale of liquor only to non-Muslims aged 21 and above; stopping the sale of liquor at 9pm; and only selling liquor which has been registered with the customs department.