The new rule by its general committee became effective on Feb 12. Members and guests are also not permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises.
The club’s administration staff told FMT that the alcohol ban was enforced in compliance with instructions from the Selangor state secretary’s office.
Selangor state secretary Haris Kasim, who was appointed in Nov 2021, had served as director of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) before becoming the mayor of Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) in 2019.
A senior member who has been with the club since 1985, when contacted, said many members were very disappointed with the ruling as membership comprised Malaysians of all races and religions.
“Why can’t the management consider reducing the number of hours to keep the bar open? As it is now, we are only allowed to drink upstairs. Just shorten the hours to show this is a club for all and not only teetotallers,” he said.
“We hope the decision will be reconsidered,” he added.
This decision comes hot on the heels of a similar ban on alcohol consumption and sale in another private club.
On Dec 23 last year, the Ayer Keroh Country Club in Melaka banned the sale of alcohol on its premises following instructions from the state government.
FMT has reached out to Haris for comment.