Editor’s Note: Sinar Harian has updated its initial report following clarification from a media officer, who said that the minister did not specifically refer to Malay-Muslim majority areas.

Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said this was to preserve harmony and peaceful relations among the different ethnic groups and to avoid the issue being politicised by certain quarters, Sinar Harian reported.

“So, for me, we will maintain the status quo because there is no issue.

“Those who cannot drink should not buy (alcoholic beverages). We also cannot forbid those who are allowed to drink because it is their right (to buy),” he was quoted as saying after a groundbreaking ceremony for the Pasir Pinji market in Ipoh today.

Nga said if the local authorities receive requests from any community to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages, they must consider the interests of all residents in the same area.

A recent report on the Ipoh City Council’s proposal to expand its ban on the sale of liquor and alcoholic beverages, particularly in areas that are majority Malay-Muslim, has sparked much debate among politicians from all parties.

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

Currently, there is a ban on the sale of liquor and alcoholic beverages in Manjoi, a satellite town within Ipoh. MBI imposed the ban in 2021.