In the proposed Budget 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a series of comprehensive measures designed to effectively manage and regulate the movement of alcoholic beverages within the country’s borders. These initiatives are strategically aimed at staunching the rampant issue of smuggling, which has been a persistent challenge, causing substantial financial losses to the nation’s economy.
With an unwavering commitment to curbing the adverse effects of smuggling, the government is set to fortify its enforcement actions by extending its purview to encompass alcoholic beverages. This expanded scope of enforcement will rigorously monitor and restrict the movement of these beverages, thereby curbing illicit trade and associated economic drains.
A pivotal aspect of this strategy involves the implementation of stringent regulations governing transshipment activities for alcoholic beverages. These regulations will confine such activities exclusively to designated ports, effectively bolstering oversight and control mechanisms over their import and distribution channels.
Furthermore, in a bid to consolidate control and oversight particularly in the northern region, a strategic decision has been made to designate Customs, Immigration, quarantine, and security complexes in Bukit Kayu Hitam as the singular exit route. This move is aimed at streamlining and fortifying the monitoring and management of goods exiting this region, ensuring a more effective crackdown on illegal movements.
Additionally, as part of the measures to tighten regulations, the importation of cigarettes destined for the domestic market will be subject to a condition mandating full container loads only. This stringent criterion seeks to enhance scrutiny and control over the importation and distribution of cigarettes, mitigating the potential for illicit trade practices.
By integrating these multifaceted measures into the fabric of Budget 2024, the government demonstrates a resolute commitment to combating smuggling activities, safeguarding the nation’s economy, and fostering a more robust regulatory framework governing the movement of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes within the country.
Headline: FamilyMart Ceases Alcoholic Beverage Sales Across All Outlets, Prioritizing Inclusivity for Muslim Customers
SHAH ALAM: FamilyMart Malaysia, a prominent convenience store chain with 360 outlets, has taken a significant step by discontinuing the sale of alcoholic beverages at all its stores. This strategic move aims to foster a shopping environment where Muslim customers can confidently patronize their outlets without any reservations.
Chia Lik Khai, the Managing Director of QL Maxincome Sdn Bhd, highlighted that this decision, implemented since March, serves the purpose of ensuring that all customers, particularly those who seek halal-certified products, feel at ease while shopping or dining at their branches.
“While alcoholic beverages have contributed minimally to our business, we anticipate a negligible impact from this cessation. Our focus remains on our diverse food and beverage offerings to cover the sales deficit,” Chia remarked during discussions with the media.
Speaking about the introduction of the new concept store, FamiCafé, at Menara U, he revealed that it has received the prestigious halal certification from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), marking it as the country’s inaugural convenience store cafe to attain such recognition.
The FamiCafé concept ensures adherence to halal practices, serving an array of drinks and freshly prepared ready-to-eat items like ‘oden’ (Japanese tomyam), hot snacks including ‘crispy chiki katsu’ and sausages (corndog), and delightful ‘sofuto (ice cream)’.
Currently, there are 16 FamiCafés operational in Malaysia, with plans to open 50 more by year-end and aiming for halal certification for 300 FamiCafés by 2025.
Chia also outlined ongoing efforts to align with halal standards, revealing that FamilyMart will undergo staged halal audits in compliance with Jakim’s guidelines. This process has already commenced at two other stores within the Klang Valley.
Moreover, he emphasized that the QL Kitchen-operated FamilyMart Malaysia food preparation center has been Jakim-certified as halal since 2019. As of April 30, 172 FamilyMart food products were officially registered as halal on Jakim’s portal.
Addressing expansion plans, Chia mentioned the brand’s focus on meeting customer demand on the east coast of the Peninsula, aiming to establish 20 branches by year-end in the region. Several outlets have already commenced operations in Kuantan, Pahang.
In a bid to enhance customer convenience, the FamiCafé at Menara U now boasts a self-service kiosk enabling customers to order products using their preferred e-wallet or credit card services. Similar self-service kiosks will gradually be introduced across other FamiCafés. – BERNAMA
Headline: Clarification: No Alcohol Ban or Dress Code Restrictions for Tourists in Langkawi, Confirm Stakeholders
LANGKAWI: Stakeholders have dispelled rumors suggesting stringent regulations prohibiting tourists from consuming alcohol or wearing shorts on the island, affirming that no such restrictions exist.
Lee Han Eng, Chairman of the Langkawi Chinese Chamber of Commerce, stepped forward to address the misinformation, assuring tourists that there are no unusual constraints impeding their enjoyment of the island.
“The information circulating is inaccurate; there are no such limitations in place on the island. Tourists are free to engage in their activities as long as they comply with the country’s rules,” Lee clarified.
Lee refuted the purported regulations and emphasized that non-Muslim tourists in Langkawi are unrestricted in consuming alcohol or dressing in shorts.
He urged the public not to lend credence to these rumors, emphasizing that such false information could undermine Langkawi’s economic recovery efforts.
Deputy Director of the Langkawi Business Association, Datuk Alexander Isaac, echoed similar sentiments, categorically denying the validity of these rumors.
“We are based in Langkawi and have not encountered any such regulations,” Isaac asserted, criticizing the dissemination of false information as unnecessary fearmongering.
These rumors surfaced following reports of tourists expressing grievances about alleged restrictions on alcohol consumption on the island. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King brought attention to these complaints during a recent parliamentary debate, urging the Kedah state government to clarify the situation.
