Kerajaan pertimbang peraturan jual alkohol bagi pekerja Muslim

Prime Minister Zulkifli Hasan has indicated that the government is considering guidelines to exempt Muslim workers in general stores that sell alcoholic beverages. The Minister of Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) stated that the Islamic Religious Department (Jakim) is investigating how local authorities (PBT) can utilize existing regulations and business permit requirements to address this issue.

Jakim has been discussing with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Local Government Department, Labor Department, Attorney-General Department, and Ministry of Human Resources about the proposed guidelines, which will cover Muslim workers in both halal and non-halal stores. Employers should take appropriate action, such as revising job descriptions or separating the payment counter, to ensure Muslim workers are not directly involved in alcohol sales, without compromising their employment opportunities, he said in a written response to Parliament.

He responded to Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin) regarding the government's efforts to prevent Muslim workers in general stores from controlling the sale of alcoholic beverages. Zulkifli assured that Jakim will conduct further discussions with PBT, state religious departments, and other agencies before finalizing the measure. The Central Islamic Department (Jawi) will also conduct regular monitoring and advocacy in general stores to raise awareness and advise property managers on complying with religious laws.

However, he did not specify when the guidelines would be ready or whether stores would be required to comply. In February 2024, Zulkifli welcomed proposals for general stores to use self-service machines to sell alcoholic beverages, ensuring Muslim workers do not get entangled in selling such products.