Ipoh council mulls wider ban on alcohol sales

Ipoh council mulls wider ban on alcohol sales

Only areas that are majority Malay-Muslim would be involved, says the mayor, Rumaizi Baharin.

Manjoi satellite town
A ban on liquor sales is currently in force in the Manjoi satellite town, a largely Malay-Muslim settlement. (M Fikri Yazid pic)
PETALING JAYA:
The Ipoh City Council is considering expanding its ban on the sale of liquor and alcoholic drinks, particularly in areas that are majority Malay-Muslim.

At present, there is a ban since 2021 only in Manjoi, a satellite town within Ipoh.

Ipoh mayor Rumaizi Baharin said there had been recent demands for the ban to be expanded to include Ulu Chepor, Rapat Setia and Kampung Sungai Rokam.

Rumaizi Baharin
Rumaizi Baharin.

“In principle, we’ve agreed, but we need to look at each area and hold studies,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

He said the city council was given the green light yesterday to study the matter. A decision would be made based on what residents wanted and on the needs of the respective areas.

He said there are no business premises in Manjoi selling alcohol due to past protests from the local community.

Ipoh councillor Hamzah Hamdan, the Ipoh Barat Umno Youth chief, had urged for the retail sale of alcohol to be banned in Malay-majority areas. He had submitted a formal proposal to the mayor.

Rumaizi said engagements will be held with local residents on the matter.

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